Make it official

Membership at Bethlehem Community Church is not a formality. It's a deliberate commitment, between you and the leadership of this church, to co-labor together in the work the Lord has for us here. It means you've chosen this church as your home, and the elders have committed to pray for you, build you up, equip you, and protect you.

Membership matters because it makes the relationship real. It's how the leaders of this non-denominational church in Delmar, NY know who they're shepherding and who they're accountable for, and it gives you a way to identify who your leaders are. It's an invitation to belong to this family in a committed, identifiable way.

Is membership for me?

Membership is open to any born-again follower of Jesus who is at least 18 years old. If you've placed your faith in Christ and you're ready to make BCC your church home, the door is open.

Four steps to belonging

The process is personal, not complicated. There's no membership Sunday or formal class date to wait for. It's rolling, which means you can start whenever you're ready.

Pick up the membership book

We'll give you a short book on church membership along with our statement of faith and a questionnaire. Take your time. Read through it prayerfully and let it be part of your discernment process.

Let us know you're interested

Put your name down or fill out the form at the bottom of this page. We'll follow up with you personally to start the conversation.

Meet with an elder

You'll sit down one on one with an elder, share your testimony, go through the questionnaire together, and pray. It's a conversation, not an interview.

Welcome to the family

After the elders prayerfully affirm your membership, you'll be introduced to the church family on a Sunday morning. You'll come up front, the church will meet you, and the elders will pray over you.

What you're walking into

Membership 

When you become a member of BCC, the church commits to walking with you through the seasons of life that matter most. That includes weddings, funerals, hospital visits, and the hard conversations that come with marriage, parenting, grief, and crisis. Pastoral care, visitation, and biblical counsel are available to you as part of this family. This isn't reserved only for members, but as a member, you should know that it's there for you.
Your commitment is just as real. You're saying that you've read and acknowledge the church's statement of faith, that you'll participate in the life of this church, maintain unity, and sit under the teaching of God's Word here. No financial commitment is required. The elders have committed to pray for you, equip you for the work God is calling you to, and protect you with sound, biblical teaching.

Questions you might have

What does membership actually mean at BCC?
Membership is a joint commitment. You're committing to co-labor in the work of this church, and the elders are committing to shepherd, equip, and care for you. It's not about the power to vote or access to a members-only anything. It's a statement that says: we're in this together, and we're accountable to one another in the Lord.
Do I need to be baptized first?
No. Baptism is not a prerequisite for membership. But it is a question we'll ask, and if you haven't been baptized, we'll want to talk with you about why and walk through what baptism means as a next step in your faith.
How long does the process take?
There's no fixed timeline. Some people move through it in a few weeks. Others take a few months. The pace is yours, and the process is personal. We're not in a rush, and neither should you be.
Do I need to renew my membership?
No. Membership does not expire and does not require renewal.
Will you contact my previous church?
We may ask about your church history, including whether you've been under church discipline. This isn't to judge. It's to understand your heart and make sure we're stepping into the relationship with full context. The elders may contact a previous church if it's necessary and appropriate.

I'm interested in membership

Ready to start the process, or just want to learn more? Fill out the form below and someone from our elder team will reach out to you personally.
Submit
Flags for Geoff before publish:
  •  4-month attendance requirement. The booklet requires attending 3x/month for 4 months before starting the membership process. Is this still enforced, or is it flexible? The website copy currently doesn't mention a waiting period.
  •  Membership Matters class. The booklet lists a "Membership Matters class" as step 3. Geoff's transcript doesn't mention it. Is this still offered, or has the one-on-one elder meeting replaced it?
  •  "I Am A Church Member" book. The booklet names this specific book (possibly by Thom Rainer). Is this still the book given out, or has it changed?
  •  Who receives the Membership Interest Form? Defaulted to Geoff. Should it be a specific elder or Diane?
  •  Membership Booklet digital version. The booklet is currently print-only. Should a digital version be linked from this page for people to review before picking up a physical copy?
  •  Statement of Faith link. The membership process requires reading the SoF. Should this page link to the What We Believe page?