Next  Steps
The Five Benefits of Church Membership
1. MEMBERSHIP PUBLICLY AFFIRMS that you are a believer in Jesus as Lord. When you say, “I want to become a member of New Hope Christian Church,” you affirm your choice to publicly identify with this group of people who want to follow Jesus. ​Romans 12: 5 and Ephesians 2: 19 - 20
2. MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES A SPIRITUAL FAMILY who will support and encourage you in your desire to walk with Jesus. You don’t need to feel alone or on the outside looking in. Membership provides a family where you belong and are accepted.
3. MEMBERSHIP GIVES YOU A PLACE TO SERVE as you use your spiritual gifts through ministry in both the New Hope family and in the Venice-Nokomis community. Research statistics show that those who are “actively-religious are more likely than their less-religious peers to describe themselves as very happy’. (Pew Research Center). The expectation is that, as a member of New Hope, you will serve in ways that will bless you as we all serve Jesus together. 1 Corinthians 12: 4 - 27
4. MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES SPIRITUAL PROTECTION under Godly leaders who care deeply about the members of this church. Godly leaders are like spiritual coaches who give guidance to help you live out your faith. Being under their guidance is an important aspect of membership. Hebrews 13: 17
5. MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability merely means that you are ‘counted on’. When we know someone is counting on us, it provides motivation to follow through on our commitments. As Christians, we are called to be accountable with how we act. Colossians 3: 12 - 17
Why Church Membership?
Resident Membership
Members at New Hope Christian Church publicly state the following profession of faith:
‘I believe that Jesus is the Christ, The Son of the Living God, and I accept Him as my Lord and Savior.’
Membership at New Hope Christian Church is open to all Christians who have been baptized by immersion; have publicly stated that Jesus is Lord of their life; and are willing to accept the practices and doctrine of New Hope Christian Church. Members participate in a yearly congregational meeting that is held the first Sunday of December to approve the church’s ministry plan for the next year.
Dual Membership
New Hope Christian Church has Dual Church Membership for those who are interested. Many of our New Hope family have their church membership in another congregation because, like many Floridians, they have made their homes in two different parts of the country. If it best meets your need to be a member at New Hope as well as another congregation, we encourage you to consider DUAL MEMBERSHIP
