What is it? 

Being a Christian is not just about believing.  It is also about belonging.  Church membership is the means by which you can deepen your own faith commitment and practice that faith within community.  Church members confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and are baptized as a “sign and seal” of God’s grace.  If you have already been baptized you need not be baptized again - you would become a member by reaffirming your baptism.  We also ask prospective members to participate in a church member course and agree to a membership covenant.    

What is the course? 

The membership course is a two-hour course offered in our Ministry Center.  The course will answer such questions as “What are my gifts for ministry?”, “How can God use me in CCHK and beyond?”, “What are the benefits and requirements of membership?”, and “What is the vision of CCHK?”

The membership class will not discuss questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Who am I and why am I here on earth?”, “What does the Holy Spirit do?” Questions such as these are dealt with in the Alpha course and other learning venues the church provides.  If you are new to the Christian faith you are encouraged to participate in CCHK’s Alpha course before considering membership.    

What is the covenant?

·     Serving members are asked to strive toward the following five commitments:  

·     I will continue to grow in the love and knowledge of God by worshipping, studying Scripture, praying and fellowshipping with other believers.  

·     I will serve the ministry of my church by discerning my gifts and talents, by being equipped to serve others within the church and beyond, and by giving regularly of my time, talent and treasure to the ministry of Jesus Christ.  

·     I will support the witness of my church by praying for its faithfulness to Christ’s calling, by inviting the unchurched to attend, and by warmly welcoming those who visit.  

·     I will protect the unity of my church by acting in love toward other members.  If I have a disagreement with another member, I will seek to be reconciled to them through the forgiving power of Christ while speaking my truth in love.  

·     I will nurture my growth as a Christian by joining a CCHK LifeGroup or Bible study.  

Isn’t this asking a lot? 

Yes, and no.  Yes, in the sense that CCHK does have high expectations for its new members.  But, no, a covenant is not a contract.  You are obligated by your own conscience and God alone is Lord of your conscience.  Church membership is meant to be a means of grace to discover God’s life plan for you and not just another “should” or “ought” in your life.  

But why do I need to join a church anyway?

Life is about making and honoring commitments.  The covenant of church membership is a practical and grace-filled means of encouraging your faith journey.  It also means you have a stake in the life of this community.  Perhaps you now speak of CCHK as “that” church or “this” church.  Our hope is that through membership you will come to understand CCHK as your church.  

I have not been baptized.  Do I need to be baptized to become a church member? 

If you have not already been baptized you will want to do so.  Baptism represents the inclusion into the universal body of Christ.  In order to join this or any local church, the sacrament of baptism or the reaffirmation of previous baptismal vows is what identifies you as a Christian.   Baptism classes are held regularly throughout the year.  

Will I  be asked to do some things I don’t want to do? 

The membership covenant urges you to make some basic commitments of the gifts and resources God has already given to you.  But you alone will set those limits and the church will honor your choices.  Sometimes we honor God by doing less, and not more.  Part of the membership orientation will be to help you find the best place for your spiritual gifts.  

Can I become a member of CCHK without losing my membership in my home church?

Yes.  You will not be made to transfer your membership from another church unless you choose to do so.  We are an inter-denominational church that honors the stories and traditions you bring to us.   

What if I simply don’t want to be a member?  Can I keep coming to Community Church ? 

Yes.  All are welcome at Community Church .  But, again, faith that does not grow through new challenges and commitments often will wither and die.  If God is not calling you to serving membership now, prayerfully consider what other commitment you might make in order to grow in your faith.  

What if I am interested but still not sure? 

Making a decision to join this community of faith should not be taken lightly.  Even if you take the course you are under no obligation to join.  However, most people regret the things they did not do more than the things they did.  Your participation in the course makes membership a possibility. The council’s intention is to offer the course several times each year so there will be other opportunities.         

Yes, I think I want to take the membership course without any further obligation. What do I need to do now?

Sign-up at the Welcome Desk on Sunday or email the office at office@cchk.org.hk.