Communicants

Communicants is a way for students who have professed faith in Christ to join the church as full communing members. It is open to all 5th-12th graders who have not yet joined the church. Communicant membership allows a child to move from the status of being a non-communing member, in relationship with their parents, to a communing member through a personal and public profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to membership in the church. While this may not be the first time your child has professed faith in Christ, the communicants process provides an opportunity for them to examine their hearts and minds and discern whether they are truly in the faith. During this process, students will also gain a clearer understanding of Biblical doctrine and theology alongside their peers who are walking through the same process.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD WANTS TO JOIN THIS YEAR'S COMMUNICANTS?

If you believe your child is interested, please discuss with them what the process involves and allow them to be the one to pursue church membership. Please keep in mind that going through the process does not guarantee church membership. The elder may recommend waiting another year before official membership.


Your student will need to speak with one of the youth staff members by Sunday, January 5th to express their interest in joining the communicants process. We will ask them to share why they want to join—not as a test, but because we genuinely want to understand their heart behind this decision.


What does the communicant's process entail?

COMMUNICANTS KICK-OFF MEETING

Date: Sunday, January 12th at 9:45 AM

Location: The Youth Building

During this meeting we will provide more information, distribute the communicants curriculum, and give you and your child the opportunity to meet your assigned elder. The elder is there to shepherd you and your child through the membership process. The curriculum is designed to help your child gain a greater understanding of the Christian faith and what it means to be a member of a local church. After you and your child work through the material together using the provided workbook, he or she will have the opportunity to join the church body, assuming the responsibilities and privileges of membership. These include participating in the Lord’s Supper, electing church officers, submitting to church discipline, and committing to the well-being of the church.


REVIEW WEEKEND (Mandatory)

Date:  Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th

Location: The Youth Building

During the review weekend, we will dive deeper into the curriculum, providing opportunities for students to connect with peers and engage in meaningful small group discussions with their elders. It is essential for your student to commit to this weekend. Please discuss any conflicts with a youth staff member before signing up.


ELDER MEETING & VOWS

Following the Review Weekend, each student will have a brief meeting with their elder. If the elder recommends, students will take their vows (and be baptized if they have not already) on April 13th during one of the three services.


If you have any questions please email Bekah Jarratt.