As a local body of disciples of Jesus Christ (a church) we hold the following core value as essential in defining who we are as Mars Hill Community Church. This critical core value is: Every Member is a Minister.

It is our conviction that the Bible teaches that every true disciple of Jesus Christ is to serve in a local church. (The word “minister” means “to serve” or “servant”) Each believer is saved to contribute to God’s work (Ephesians 2:8-10). Every believer is filled with and gifted by the Holy Spirit to contribute meaningfully to the work of Christ’s Body (the church) (I Corinthians 3:16; I Corinthians 12; Romans 12:4-8). Every believer is to be a contributor in the community of followers of Jesus Christ as an act of obedience to God’s commands and in following the example of the first church at Jerusalem. (Hebrews 10:24, 25; John 17:20,21; Acts 2:42-47)

Since we hold these convictions about the teachings of scripture concerning Christ’s church; and since we are committed to being all that God desires us to be, we distinguish as membership to those who desire to commit themselves to the community and ministry of believers known as Mars Hill Community Church.

We recognize and welcome everyone who wants to participate fully in the life of Mars Hill Community Church, but for one reason or another may not be ready to make a commitment to membership. Everyone is welcome to serve, give, receive from, and participate in the life of MHCC whether they are a member or not.

WHY IS MEMBERSHIP IMPORTANT?

• Membership is a way of officially identifying yourself with a local body of believers.
• Membership helps the staff and elders identify the people in whom we can trust to lead and care for others.
• Membership identifies that a person has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that he/she is willing to go public with that faith through baptism.
• Membership identifies that a person is willing to support this ministry with their time, talents and treasure and to be held accountable to the values of MHCC. Membership also identifies that the person will partner with us in our vision “to love God, love people and serve the world”.

 
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE A MEMBER IN ORDER TO BE IN A LEADERSHIP ROLE?

• Because of what membership represents (shared beliefs and mission), members are the most qualified people to be in a leadership position.
• Often, if people are not willing to be held accountable, to go public with their faith through baptism, or to commit to sharing their faith, it can be an indication that they are not ready to lead others within the church environments.

WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP INDICATE?

• Partnering with the church helps lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Members can draw great satisfaction from knowing that they are instrumental in leading others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Those people who want to join the church seem to understand the paradigm shift of “What do I get?” to “What can I give?”

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES TO JOIN THE CHURCH?

• Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Agreement with the essential elements of the doctrinal statement of Mars Hill Community Church.
• Having been baptized or soon to be.
• Supporting the church vision and ministries through the investment of the gifts God has given you  (time, talents and treasures).
• Be an active and engaged member in the church community through the many opportunities available to connect (service teams, groups, events).