How to join Plow Creek Church

Plow Creek Mennonite Church | home site outline

When an individual or a couple is interested in joining the church the elders arrange for one or two mentors to walk with the person or couple through the membership process.

The membership process is individualized for prospective member(s). Generally the mentor will go over the information in this booklet. In addition to mentor may assign Biblical readings and readings on Mennonite beliefs depending on the needs of the prospective members.

Prior to becoming members folks participate in small groups but do not participate in the church members meetings.

If a person or couple has not been baptized as a believer, baptism is generally part of the joining ceremony.

When a mentor senses the person or couple is ready to join the church, the mentor contacts the elders who will arrange a Sunday for the joining ceremony. The joining ceremony includes the sharing of the new member's spiritual journey, making commitments, baptism (if not done previously), tasting of salt, and laying on of hands and prayer. Other elements can be added by the mutual agreement of the mentor and prospective members.

Later in the day the church has a love feast to celebrate the new shape of the body at Plow Creek.

Membership Commitments

Here are the commitments that new members make:

1. Do you commit your life to Jesus as Savior and Lord?

2. Do you commit yourself to speaking the truth in love following Matthew 18:15-17 to address sin and reconcile interpersonal conflicts?

3. Do you commit yourself to fidelity in marriage and chastity outside of marriage?

4. Do you commit yourself to forsake war and violence and love enemies?

5. Do you commit yourself to turn from wealth and seek justice for the poor?

6. Do you commit yourself to using diverse gifts, abilities and tithes to build up the body of Christ at Plow Creek and beyond?

7. Do you commit yourself to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ?

8. Do you commit yourself to entering with trust and openness into church decision-making?

9. Do you commit yourself to seek counsel and advice in decision-making?

Those who are Church but not Fellowship members remain financially independent. Joining the Plow Creek Fellowship, the part of Plow Creek that formally shares funds, is a separate process described on the page How to join Plow Creek Fellowship