Is the church a service I attend or a body I belong to? We live in a "consumer" culture where we stay as long as our needs are met. However, the biblical reality shows that a Christian without a church is like a finger without a body. We look at membership as the way the local church "embassies" the Kingdom of God – providing a clear boundary where we can truly practice the "one another" commands of Jesus. It is the formal move from being a spectator to being a "covenant partner" who is known, cared for, and held accountable by a specific spiritual family.
How does this specific family work? Every family has a unique heritage and a way of ordering its home. In this module, we look at our "Presbyterian" roots – not as a dusty tradition, but as a healthy way of being governed by a plurality of elders who guard the peace and purity of the church. We’ll discuss the specific vision of ICC for Melbourne and what it looks like for you to commit your time, gifts, and resources to this local expression of God’s people. This concludes with a look at our Church Covenant: the mutual promises we make to support and love one another as we follow Jesus together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is baptism a requirement for membership?
Baptism is the "initiatory rite" of the Christian faith, serving as the outward sign that you have been joined to Christ. Because church membership is a public declaration of that union, baptism is the natural and biblical first step. If you have not yet been baptised, we invite you to start with our Gospel 101 class to explore the foundations of faith.
What am I actually promising when I join?
You are entering into a Covenant, which is a solemn promise to be a spiritual family rather than a mere legal contract. Specifically, you promise to trust in the mercy of Jesus, meet regularly with fellow believers for encouragement, and honor God with your time, talents, and money. You also promise to submit to the pastoral oversight of the Session as they care for the congregation.
Do I have to be "spiritually mature" or perfect to join?
Absolutely not. Membership is for "sinners saved by grace". It is not a badge of spiritual achievement, but a commitment to grow within a community that understands we all need Jesus every single day. We acknowledge our total dependence on the Holy Spirit to equip us to be faithful to this commitment.
What is the "Presbyterian" part of the membership all about?
It refers to our heritage and how we are led. Instead of a single "CEO" pastor, we are led by a group of elders, known as the Session. This structure provides safety, wisdom, and accountability for the whole church, ensuring that pastoral oversight is shared and biblically grounded.
Does becoming a member mean I have to serve on a team right away?
While members are encouraged to honor God with their talents, we have a "People First, Projects Second" philosophy. We actually require a three-month "guest" period and the completion of Ministry Training before you join a team. This ensures you are rooted in the community and being cared for in a 3G group before you take on the responsibilities.
What if I eventually move away or need to leave the church?
While covenants are serious, we recognize that life moves people. Membership allows us to "send" you with our blessing and a letter of recommendation to your next spiritual home, rather than you simply disappearing. This ensures your spiritual care continues even after you leave Melbourne.