551:2

(2) The Value of Membership. Membership in The Wesleyan Church is built on the premise that it is an initial step in one’s relationship with the Church, and a doorway into the discipleship process within the life of the Church. Each local fellowship adapts its ministry scope and sequence but a common path would involve the following process:

Believing – When people come to Christ in saving faith, they become members of the body of Christ. Membership is the door into the discipleship process in The Wesleyan Church which helps people identify the essential beliefs taught in the Bible, and how those beliefs impact our lifestyle, relationships, and our witness for Christ within the Church and beyond. This faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, brings transformational growth to the believer.

Belonging – Every person who is a part of our local church fellowship appreciates a sense of belonging, which in turn opens the door for the Church to disciple each believer into a fully devoted follower of Christ. The Wesleyan Church intentionally places “belonging” at the front of the believer’s relationship with the local church, and assumes the responsibility to help the believer grow into a mature child of God.

Becoming – It is the responsibility of the local church to assume the care of the persons committed to its fellowship, to develop and employ an effective process of discipleship to help its members mature in their faith and character, leading to the raising up of effective leaders. The Wesleyan Church intentionally calls people to move beyond a decision for Christ, into a life of devotion to Christ which leads to a life of service for Christ.