Church Membership
At Trinity Church of Loudoun we practice what is called “church membership.” The Bible teaches that being a part of a church serves a greater purpose than simply attending a worship service — being a member of a church is a commitment to watch over and care for other members and be watched over and cared for by other members. This is expressed in our church covenant - which is a summary of the how the Bible instructs believers to care for one another.
WHY BECOME A MEMBER OF A CHURCH?
For identification. The normal way Christians are addressed and identified in the New Testament is through the local church. Additionally, church discipline - the putting out of a Christian from a church body - requires a defined in. (Acts 15:41, Galatians 1:2, Matthew 18:15-20)
For protection and assurance. When you join a local church, a body of Christians (along with their pastors) are signing up to help guard and affirm your faith before the world. (Galatians 1:6-9)
For shepherding. Membership defines who pastors (=elders) are responsible to provide particular care towards. (Hebrews 13:17)
For family. Membership establishes committed relationships that nurture spiritual growth. (Ephesians 4:25-32)
For mutual edification. Membership provides the proper, consistent context to use your gifts to build others up, as well as to benefit from the gifts of others. (1 Corinthians 12:14-27).
BECOMING A MEMBER OF TRINITY CHURCH OF LOUDOUN
ATTEND OUR SUNDAY GATHERINGS - Our church meets every Sunday morning to worship and hear from God together. This is a basic practice of Christians throughout history, and an essential way to connect with our church family.
ATTEND A MEMBERSHIP CLASS - We hold membership classes every other month right after service over lunch. We discuss what it means to join a church, as well as our Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, and other distinctives of ours. This is open to anyone interested in learning more about our church and does not obligate anyone to join, but is required for becoming a member.
SCHEDULE A MEMBERSHIP INTERVIEW - After attending a membership class, prospective members meet with an elder to share about God's work in their lives and discuss any further questions they may have. The interview is not for assessing "how Christian" the candidates are, but to hear whether they understand the basic gospel message and have trusted in it.
ELDERS’ RECOMMENDATION - The prospective members' testimonies are shared with the other elders for their collective approval.
CONGREGATIONAL AFFIRMATION - At the following Members' Meeting, the candidates' testimonies are shared with the members present, and upon a majority vote, they are admitted into membership of the church.
For more information about church membership, click the links below: