Membership

Membership is the public proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ, proven by action.

VCCC has a high view of membership because the Bible does. We believe that:

The church has been created and established by God

The church has been created and established by God

"…and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” [Ephesians 3:8–12]

The church exists to glorify God

The church exists to glorify God

  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3–6 [Ephesians 3:10 | 1 Peter 2:9–10]  

God has established that every church is to have leaders, called elders, who give oversight to members of the church in order to help the church fulfill its mission

God has established that every church is to have leaders, called elders, who give oversight to members of the church in order to help the church fulfill its mission

“So I exhort the elders among you…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge,but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1–4 [Titus 1:5 | Acts 14:23 | Ephesians 4:11–16]

Every person who proclaims to be a Christ-follower is to identify with a local church, come under the care of its leaders, and engage in the mission of the church

Every person who proclaims to be a Christ-follower is to identify with a local church, come under the care of its leaders, and engage in the mission of the church

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17 [Romans 12:4–8 | 1 Thessalonians 5:12]  

Steps to Becoming a Member of VCCC

Explore VCCC is a two-session class designed for anyone new to our church or for those who have been attending for a while but aren’t yet members. Together, we’ll walk through our core beliefs and values, and talk about the role membership plays in God’s design for His church. This is the ideal setting to get your questions answered and gain insights that you might not get on a typical Sunday morning. 

Attendance at both sessions is required, and participants must be at least 18 years old to become a member.  

Upcoming Explore VCCC Class

You’ll have a chance to be interviewed by an elder of the church. During this time, we’ll hear your personal faith story, review your VCCC Member Form, and answer any questions you may have about the church.

We’ll also walk through the Member Covenant together and affirm your acceptance of it so you fully understand what it means to be part of our church family.  

Be welcomed and presented to the church as a new member, celebrating your commitment to grow and serve within the VCCC family.

What to Expect as a Member  

Care Shepherds

You’ll be paired with a dedicated care shepherd who will walk alongside you in your faith journey.

Counseling Support

Access counseling with our pastors, who apply biblical principles to support you and your family through challenges and equip you with tools for lifelong growth.

Serve and Grow

You’ll have the opportunity to join one of our many ministry teams, volunteering on Sunday mornings or throughout the week to use your gifts to serve the church body

Unity & Covenant

Being a part of the body of Christ (the community of all true believers for all time),  carries with it biblical values, biblical teaching and biblical expectations that are  different from worldly ones. Because Christians are to be in the world but not of  the world (John 15:19; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15), the following is meant to clarify  the expectations of those who formally unite with VCCC in membership.  

You must affirm the following:

  • That Jesus died for your sins and it is only through him that you have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. (Romans 10:9)
  • That you are committed to living a life of obedience and honor to Jesus Christ and in service to this local church fellowship. (Philippians 2:1-8)
  • That as the elders submit to Christ in the care of his body, you recognize and submit to the elders of this church. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17; Matthew 18:15-20)
  • That you affirm the VCCC Statement of Faith and willingly support the Member Covenant.
  • That you accept the Bible’s teaching that baptism is expected of believers and is to be administered to those who give a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. If you have not yet been baptized since coming to faith in Jesus Christ, you willingly agree to be baptized at the first reasonable opportunity afforded by VCCC. (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12-13; 18:8)

Having been brought by God’s grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus  Christ, we now, depending upon the Holy Spirit, establish this covenant with one  another. 

This is the membership covenant that we establish with one another (1 Pet 5:1-5;  Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph 4:25):  

  • We agree that it is only by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, that our sins have been forgiven, we are counted as righteous before God, and able to live a life of obedience to God (Eph 2:8-9; Titus 2:11-14).
  • We agree that as God’s people, we will strive to continue to be and to make disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Mat 28:18-20).
  • We agree that we will gather together regularly and consistently for gospel-centered, God-honoring corporate worship (Heb 10:23-25).
  • We agree that we will strive to grow spiritually through grace in our knowledge and application of the gospel (Eph 4:11-15; Col 1:10; 2:6-7; 19; 2 Pet 1:5-8; 3:18).
  • We agree that we will give our time, talents, and treasures in service of God’s work through this local church (Eph 5:15-16; 2 Cor 8:3; Rom 12:4-6).
  • We agree that we will go into the world, as the Lord sends us, being salt and light, loving our neighbor and proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 2:9-10).
  • When we fail to live in obedience to God and His word, we desire to be approached in love, reminded of the grace of the gospel and our call to be and to make disciples in Jesus’ name (Gal 5:16 - 6:2; Heb 12:5-11, Matt 18:15-20).
  • In all these things, we rely on our God, who has made a new and everlasting covenant with us in Christ Jesus.

Contact Us

Do you have any questions regarding membership or our membership process? Let us walk beside you as you explore the life and ministry of our church and pray along with you as you consider membership with us.