MEMBERSHIP AT HEARTLAND
Committing to Christ & His Church
Church membership is a formal relationship between a local church and a Christian characterized by the church’s affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s discipleship and the Christian’s submission to living out his or her discipleship in the care of the church (Jonathan Leeman, Church Membership).
When it comes to relationships in the local church, the New Testament describes them as being mutually bound together by a covenantal commitment toward others. We clearly see three aspects of this relationship in Scripture:
The Congregation
The congregation willingly takes responsibility for one another’s spiritual good, recognizing that growth in Christ is not meant to occur in isolation (1 Cor. 12:12–27).
The Leaders
God appoints a plurality of qualified elders to shepherd a specific flock, watching over their souls as those who will give an account (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–3; Heb. 13:17).
The Christian
Christians joyfully entrust their discipleship to the care and oversight of a local body, submitting to its leadership and its members for their good and God’s glory (Heb. 13:7, 17; Matt. 18:15–20).
MEMBERSHIP AT HEARTLAND
Committing to Christ & His Church
Church membership is a formal relationship between a local church and a Christian characterized by the church’s affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s discipleship and the Christian’s submission to living out his or her discipleship in the care of the church (Jonathan Leeman, Church Membership).
When it comes to relationships in the local church, the New Testament describes them as being mutually bound together by a covenantal commitment toward others. We clearly see three aspects of this relationship in Scripture:
The Congregation
The congregation willingly takes responsibility for one another’s spiritual good, recognizing that growth in Christ is not meant to occur in isolation (1 Cor. 12:12–27).
The Leaders
God appoints a plurality of qualified elders to shepherd a specific flock, watching over their souls as those who will give an account (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–3; Heb. 13:17).
The Christian
Christians joyfully entrust their discipleship to the care and oversight of a local body, submitting to its leadership and its members for their good and God’s glory (Heb. 13:7, 17; Matt. 18:15–20).
Pursuing Membership
This four-part class takes place 3 times a year and explores the biblical foundation for covenant membership, the purpose and doctrine of Heartland, and the responsibilities and privileges of belonging to a local church. If you’re are interested in taking steps towards making Heartland your church home, this class will help you prayerfully discern that commitment and prepare you to covenant with this church family.
Pursuing Membership
This four-part class takes place 3 times a year and explores the biblical foundation for covenant membership, the purpose and doctrine of Heartland, and the responsibilities and privileges of belonging to a local church. If you’re are interested in taking steps towards making Heartland your church home, this class will help you prayerfully discern that commitment and prepare you to covenant with this church family.
OUR BYLAWS
Governing with wisdom and prudence
Healthy churches don't happen by accident—they are strengthened by biblical conviction, wise leadership, and faithful stewardship. Our bylaws are designed to help us live out those convictions by providing a clear framework for how we govern the church, care for one another, and carry out the mission Christ has entrusted to us.
Understanding how a church is governed in practical detail is important when exploring membership. While the Bible alone is our final authority for faith and practice, our bylaws seek to faithfully apply biblical principles to the life of our church. If a provision in our bylaws is ever found to conflict with Scripture, it is unintentional, and God's Word always takes precedence.
To ensure they continue to serve our church well, our bylaws are reviewed annually by a church-appointed Bylaw Revision Team, who prayerfully evaluate them and present any recommended changes to the congregation for approval.
To ensure they continue to serve our church well, our bylaws are reviewed annually by a church-appointed Bylaw Revision Team, who prayerfully evaluate them and present any recommended changes to the congregation for approval.
OUR BYLAWS
Governing with wisdom and prudence
Healthy churches don't happen by accident—they are strengthened by biblical conviction, wise leadership, and faithful stewardship. Our bylaws are designed to help us live out those convictions by providing a clear framework for how we govern the church, care for one another, and carry out the mission Christ has entrusted to us.
Understanding how a church is governed in practical detail is important when exploring membership. While the Bible alone is our final authority for faith and practice, our bylaws seek to faithfully apply biblical principles to the life of our church. If a provision in our bylaws is ever found to conflict with Scripture, it is unintentional, and God's Word always takes precedence.
To ensure they continue to serve our church well, our bylaws are reviewed annually by a church-appointed Bylaw Revision Team, who prayerfully evaluate them and present any recommended changes to the congregation for approval.
To ensure they continue to serve our church well, our bylaws are reviewed annually by a church-appointed Bylaw Revision Team, who prayerfully evaluate them and present any recommended changes to the congregation for approval.