Become a Member

What is the Church and what are Church members?

As Christians, we are members of the Church, which is also called “God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19) and the “Body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22-23).  As members, we are called to function, participate, and minister in a particular place within the body of Christ, which takes place in the context of a local church.  And so we take membership seriously here at Veritas Church.  Our members are those who are sacrificially committed and well-equipped to do the works of service that God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10; 4:12). Members are the workers, doers, and financers of the local church; they are missionaries to the culture and servants to one another, seeking to honor God by reflecting his character to one another and to the city they find themselves in.

Is membership in a church Biblical?

Yes.  We don’t find a specific guide that outlines how we should organize church membership, but clearly most of the New Testament gives insight, direction, and rebuke to people organized into local churches.  The reality is that the predominant context for much of what Christian’s are called to do is to be carried out in the context of the local church.  It is also significant to note the following:

  • The early church had a notion of being a member that included a numerical record (Acts 2:37-47; Romans 16:1-16).
  • The early church kept track of widows who were specifically a part of a local church (I Timothy 5:3-16).
  • The church is called to discipline its members, which would be impossible if there were no identified members (Matthew 18:15-17).
  • The church, if necessary, is instructed to remove people from their membership (1 Corinthians 5:12-13; Galatians 6:1).
  • Local churches had a specific form of government in place that called pastors to shepherd an identified flock of people (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3).
  • Church members were called to submit to the leaders who were over them (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonans 5:12-13; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17).

To read a more thorough argument for church membership click here to read “Is Church Membership Biblical?“

What is a membership covenant?

A covenant is a promise by which we obligate ourselves to one another in such a way that the obligation of one side is not dependent on the faithfulness of the other (Ezekiel 20:44; 36:22; Psalms 76:11; Hosea 2:19-20; 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:13). The Veritas Church covenant includes a statement of faith, a statement of biblical doctrine, the obligations of Veritas Church to its members, and the obligations of members to Veritas Church. Though the covenant does define the relationship between members and the church, it is first and foremost a promise made to God as a commitment to his glory and his bride, the church (Ephesians 5:25).

Note: Membership in a local church (like Veritas) should not be equated with one’s membership in the kingdom of God.  One who has repented and placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10) is a member of God’s eternal kingdom.  Membership at Veritas is encouraged for believers who are in agreement with the leaders and the direction that has been set forth.  Membership at Veritas is gracefully discouraged toward any believers who are not in agreement with the leaders and who do not agree with the direction that has been set forth.

What is the Foundations Class?

This class is designed to be the first point of connection for those considering Veritas as their church home, for a season or for a lifetime.  In this class, we will teach through the theological and missiological distinctions of Veritas Church, including an articulation of what we believe and how we plan to declare and demonstrate the gospel in Roseville, California.  These classes are available for viewing here.

Who should take the Foundations Class?

The class is open to everyone – Whether you’ve been coming to Veritas for weeks or months; whether you follow Jesus or not, this introductory class is a great place to get started for those who are merely curious and for those who are looking to get connected.  We do ask that everyone considering Veritas to be their church home take this class to assess how they feel about God and the gospel, as well as our church’s specific characteristics.

Note: The Foundations Class is required to become a member.  Whether you became a Christian yesterday, or have a Masters in Theology, there are no exceptions.

How do I become a member of Veritas Church?  (the process)

1.  Join the City. The City enables us to develop real community by giving us a secure online environment where we can connect and interact throughout the week.  You can join The City at the Information Table on a Sunday, or you can email us at hospitality@veritas-truth.com to request an invitation.

2.  Start the Process. Once you’re in The City, click “Groups,” and click “Veritas Church.”  Once you’re to that page, simply click “Start Membership Process.”