Membership
So we, though many, are one body in Christ…
Romans 12:5
We encourage every believer to become a member! In the Early Church, believers met with the apostles daily for teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Church members have a covenant relationship with God and each other. This means that when you join a church, you become a part of that body of believers and have certain rights and privileges which are given to members.
Membership is an expression of commitment to the local body of Christ and shows a person’s commitment to share the work of the ministry and carry each other’s burdens. Becoming a member says you are committed to the community of believers and the church you are a part of.
Membership Class
Become part of the church family
All those wishing to take up membership with the church must meet our membership requirements and take part in our membership class held once a year. If you are interested in taking up membership, please fill out a membership form online.
Membership FAQ
Why become a member?
Membership was practiced in the New Testament churches. In the Early Church believers met with the apostles daily for teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47).
Membership is an expression of commitment to the local body of Christ through times of blessing as well as times of trial (Luke 9:62; 14:33).
Membership shares the work of the ministry among all the people. We are instructed to carry each other’s burdens. A commitment to church membership says, “I am willing to help carry the burden,” and, “I’ll be available when needed” (Galatians 6:2; Colossians 12:26).
Types of Membership
Regular Members: Persons 18 years of age and over who fulfill the requirements shall be known as regular members.
Junior Members: Persons between the ages of 12-18 who fulfill the requirements may be eligible for junior membership. Such membership does not qualify for voting privileges at congregational meetings.
Membership Privileges
Privilege to vote: Members have the privilege of voting for the Lead Pastor position and all Church Board positions at Congregational Business Meetings.
Privilege to Speak: Members have the privilege to share their thoughts and opinions at Congregational Business Meetings.
Privilege to Serve: Members have the Privilege to be nominated to serve on the Church Board.
Facility Privileges: Members have the privilege to book church facilities for private family events (i.e. birthdays, weddings, baby dedications, funerals, etc.) free of charge or at a reduced rate.
Release of Membership
In accordance with our Local Church Constitution, termination of membership shall occur when a member:
-Voluntarily withdraws from membership
-Seeks membership at another church
-Issues a letter of transfer to another assembly for membership
-Stops attending regular services for three consecutive months unless the absence is vocational or health-related
Membership Requirements
1. A candidate is required to be a regular attender of RHPC for a minimum of one year and is encouraged to be serving in a volunteer ministry of the church.
2. A candidate is expected to give a clear indication of having been born again (John 3:5-8).
3. A candidate is expected to be baptized in water by immersion (Matthew 28:19).
4. A candidate is expected to live a consistent separated Christian life in accordance with the teaching of the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:19-23). They shall refrain from “acts of the sinful nature” [Local Church Constitution 6.1].
5. A candidate is expected to be faithful in church attendance (Hebrews 10:25).
6. A candidate is expected to financially support the church with tithes and offerings (Hebrews 10:25, Matthew 3:10). Tithing is giving 10% of your income to the “storehouse” or local church. Tithing envelopes are available upon request.
7. A candidate is expected to work for harmony and Christ-like fellowship among the believers, pastors, and church board at all times (Ephesians 4; Romans 12:5-18).
8. A candidate is expected to be in harmony with the Local Church Constitution, the Statement of Fundamental and Essential Truths, the principles, practices, and doctrines of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC).
9. All members are required to attend the Annual Congregational Business Meeting and other business meetings as needed.