What is membership?
Membership refers to our participation together as one Body in Christ. As the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12: “You are (together) the body of Christ and individually members of it…”
Membership at The Table functions on two levels. First, on a technical/bylaws level, members are those who can 1) nominate vestry members, 2) serve as vestry members, and 3) have a voice in congregational meetings (discussing decisions the entire church discerns together).
More importantly, though, on a spiritual level, membership is a way to commit to walking with our local community, to make covenantal commitments of solidarity to each other in Christ, committing to live out a “rule of life” together in mutuality as a local congregation.
Members at The Table, then, are those who sense God’s invitation to make their spiritual home in our church community for a season, and are committed to discipleship and mission with us as expressed in our vision, mission, and identity. (See the specifics in the Membership Covenant below.)
As members of one Body together, we care for one another, suffer with one another, and rejoice with one another (1 Cor 12), because love is the way the members of the Body function together (1 Cor 13).
How does membership relate to confirmation?
Confirmation was a way of saying “yes” to the broader Anglican identity and community, and membership is a way of saying “yes” to walking with our particular community for a season.
So, you can become a member even if you’re not confirmed as an Anglican. Also, confirmation doesn’t automatically make you a member of The Table, because membership has to do with living out specific commitments to one another locally.
What membership isn’t
Some people are rightfully wary of church “membership” talk because of harmful experiences in the past. So here are a few things that membership is definitely NOT at The Table:
- Membership is NOT a way to assert dominance or control over you, to ensure your compliance with church vision, etc.
- Membership is NOT signing up to be “overseen” and held to specific regulations and punishments.
- Membership is NOT a status or power game to create “us vs. them” dynamics.
The membership process
1-2 times per year we hold a 4-week membership class (The Table 101). Those interested in becoming members must complete The Table 101 and a 1-week membership class, sign the membership covenant, and will be commissioned during a congregational meeting or worship service.
All potential members are asked to be at The Table for about 6 months before being commissioned.
The membership covenant
Having put my trust in Christ alone as my Savior and Lord, being in agreement with the Vision and Practices of The Table, I believe I have been led by God to join this church family.
By God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power, I will share in the life and mission of The Table by:
- Actively participating in the Vision, Mission, and Practices of The Table;
- Praying for its growth and health, its people and leaders;
- Giving generously as able to The Table to participate in our life and mission;
- Practicing mutual submission and communal discernment with others;
- Resolving conflict and pursuing reconciliation with others;
- Regularly participating in worship gatherings and receiving Holy Eucharist;
- Regular prayer and reading of Holy Scripture;
- Participating regularly in community life and embodied witness with others;
- Participating in ongoing catechesis, learning, and discipleship opportunities; and
- Actively serving with others on teams, groups, and ministries at The Table.
If you’d like to become a member at The Table, click the button below:
