Covenant Membership is a commitment to follow Jesus together as one body and family, believing that growth in Christ is meant to happen in community, not isolation.
Commitment cultivates joy.
To experience all the good God has for us and become everything He wants us to be, we must belong to a local church body. Our most fundamental identity isn’t in our jobs, relationships, status, or hobbies, but in being disciples of Jesus — and the joy of family life flows from the commitment to it.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:42–47
Why Belong to a Church?
If you join our church, these become your goals too.
Ephesians 4 tells us a true church pursues at least three goals together — and that every one of us shares in the work of ministry.
01
Grow Toward Maturity
Wherever we are when we come into membership, we seek to grow into greater Christlikeness the longer we belong. Our character, knowledge, and love should deepen as we live as part of the body.
02
Grow in Love
We’re called to deepen our commitment to one another’s physical, relational, and spiritual needs — not toward uniformity, but toward a unity that celebrates one another in our common relationship with Christ.
03
Grow the Body
Part of our purpose is to share the gospel with others and invite them to become part of the body of Christ as well, as Jesus commanded in the Great Commission.
A Body with Many Parts
We belong to one another and need one another.
Just as a body is only healthy when all its parts are working properly, a church cares for all of its members so it can grow and build itself up in love — under the authority of Jesus, its head.
Elders
Redeemer is led by a plurality of elders — shepherds who feed, know, guide, and protect the flock as under-shepherds to Jesus. Every elder must meet the biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and Acts 20.
Deacons
Deacon means “servant.” Some men and women are specifically called to use their gifts of service to lead the church in ministries of mercy, freeing up elders and staff for the ministry of the Word.
Members
All of us, whatever other role we hold, are members of one another. Leaders commit to care for every member, and every member is called to care for and encourage one another.
The Membership Covenant
A two-way covenant.
Like marriage, covenant membership is an invitation to something beautiful, profound, and costly. It isn’t one-sided: just as members make promises to one another, Redeemer’s leaders make promises to every member. These commitments aren’t laws, but the unified direction we desire in order to mature in Christ together.
Discipleship
Being active in making disciples and growing as a disciple
Seeking out people through intentional relationships to share the gospel
Taking seriously the study of God’s Word, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines
Praying for your spiritual growth as a disciple of Jesus
Providing leaders who get to know you and help you in your relationship with Christ
Seeking and providing ways to foster your spiritual growth and ministry
Worship
Living a life of worship in our church community — giving my time, finances, and attention
Living a life of worship in my home, in my marriage or my singleness
Educating my children in the Christian faith and stewarding my resources
Providing God-honoring, Bible-saturated worship services and preaching
Helping you grow in stewarding all aspects of your life to God’s glory
Service
Sharing in the responsibility to live the gospel in our community
Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God
Serving within our faith community with a servant’s heart
Helping care for your spiritual, relational, and physical needs as we are able
Seeking opportunities for you to exercise your gifts and serve as Jesus served
Helping you find ways to serve our local communities and the global Church
Community
Participating in the fellowship of the faith community
Confessing my sins, seeking peace, quick to reconcile, ready to encourage
Inviting the church’s leadership into my life for accountability and care
Helping you be known in the community of our church
Providing a safe place to be honest and open in your journey with Christ
Shepherding you, encouraging you, and holding you accountable in your walk with Him
“I desire to engage in all these things, knowing full well that I will falter. But with the faith and grace given to me by God, I will seek to fulfill these things with all glory and praise to Him alone.”
How to Become a Member
Five steps toward covenant membership.
1
Take the Membership Class
Offered quarterly, the class walks through who we are, what we believe, what we value, and where we’re headed.
2
Share Your Story
Fill out a short packet with your understanding of the gospel and your testimony, read by a pastor, an elder, and your future Home Group leader.
3
Meet with an Elder
Sit down with one of our elders to rejoice in what God has done in your life, talk through covenant membership, and ask any questions.
4
Baptism
We ask all members to be baptized in obedience to Jesus. If you haven’t been, or aren’t sure about an infant baptism, we’ll talk about it together.
5
Take Your Vows
On a Sunday set aside for new members, you’ll come forward and take your membership vows — and we’ll celebrate with you.
In the meantime, you can start serving, join a class, or find a Collective before you become a member. Questions about the process? Email Sophie Miller at smiller@rccbirmingham.org.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Have a question that isn’t here? We’ll answer it in the Membership Class, or you can ask us anytime.
Do I have to be part of a Home Group to be a member?
Can I start serving if I’m not a member yet?
Are you part of a denomination?
What do you believe about baptism?
Do you practice church discipline?
How do I learn more about what Redeemer believes?
Interested in Membership?
Take the next step.
We hold membership classes several times a year. Not sure if membership is right for you? The class is a great way to learn more about Redeemer, whatever you decide.