More Than Attending
Membership is a thoughtful, informed commitment to our doctrine and vision, a willingness to submit to church leadership, and an intentional embrace of your role in Christ's body and mission in the world.
In a culture of consumerism, membership provides an opportunity to truly commit to Citylight Southwest Iowa. Membership helps identify who is committed to the mission, doctrine, and values of Citylight. This isn't about creating different classes within the church, but acknowledging that people participate at different levels of commitment — and that's okay. As a purposeful, intentional community, it's helpful to know who is fully engaged and who is still exploring.
Scripture calls church leaders to "equip the saints…for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God" (Eph 4:12-13). The church is one body with many parts, all under Christ as our head, working together toward maturity (1 Cor 12:12-31). When every believer and leadership alike embrace their role, the body functions as God intended, growing in strength and health (Eph 4:16).
Membership is not about simply being around Citylight or checking a box. It's more than saying, "This is the church I attend." True membership is a thoughtful, informed commitment to our doctrine and vision, a willingness to submit to church leadership, and an intentional embrace of your role in Christ's body and mission in the world.
The Purpose
Why Become a Member?
Throughout the New Testament, we see those who put their faith in Christ join together as a local body of believers.
Commitment
The Apostle Paul inextricably links faith in Christ to being joined as members to Christ's body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, each one of us uniquely gifted and designed to be a part. The way we see this practically play out in the lives of Christians is through their covenantal commitment to a local church family.
Accountability
When we join a church we are offering ourselves to one another to be encouraged, rebuked, corrected, and served. We are placing ourselves under leaders and submitting to their authority (Heb. 13:7). We are saying, "I am here to stay. I want to help you grow in godliness. Will you help me to do the same?"
The Body
Real fellowship is hard work, because most people are a lot like us — selfish, petty, and proud. But that's the body God calls us to. There's hurt & healing. There's redemption & reconciliation. And it takes commitment. Membership states in a formal way, "I am part of something bigger than myself. I am not just one of five hundred individuals. I am part of a body." Believers belong to churches.
Declaration
Church membership is a way of identifying oneself with a local body of believers and of making oneself accountable to proper spiritual leadership. By committing yourself to a church, you have creative initiative and ownership of serving and being an active disciple among others.
Take the Next Step
Start the Membership Process
If you are ready to affirm your agreement with Citylight's mission, doctrine, and values, we'd love to walk through the membership process with you.