MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

"Membership is not just something you have, it is something you do."

Official membership is an important step in the life of Bethel Pentecostal Assembly. We become members of God's Church when we acknowledge our need of God and receive forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ. That's how we become members of God's family. That's how we are made right with God and connect with God.

Local church membership is an added partnership and commitment of Christians with local assembly they attend. It has real value and is very important in the operation of church. Official church membership is about partnering together as a registered charitable organization in the province of Ontario. Bethel Pentecostal Assembly is an officially recognized charity in the province with our own constitution and by-laws that govern and direct the affairs of the church.

As a church we have official members, elected board member , staff, and adherents who all form the community that we call Bethel Pentecostal Assembly. Official members are those who partner together, and comply with the guiding principles and responsibilities of Bethel.

Membership is a special relationship; you are agreeing to a set of expectations that you voluntarily place upon yourself for a code of beliefs and behaviors, BUT you can also expect support and encouragement from your Bethel family and the Leadership team

Privileges of membership at B.P.A

I am eligible to participate in election and voting processes within the local church
I have the opportunity to participate in the life of the local church within the various programs and to hold a leadership position, with the approval of the church board and pastors

As a member of B.P.A, I can expect

Encouragement to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord through public preaching and teaching of the Word offered throughout the week. (Romans 12:2)
Support when I am struggling, whether physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally. (Mark 12:30)
A willingness for church leadership to approach me, in love, to help me in my Christian walk, for my sake, and for the benefit of the local assembly. (Proverbs 10:17)
Encouragement to use my gifts to further the Kingdom, both in the local church and in the community. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

The guiding principles and responsibilities below are necessary for a person to understand and commit to prior to becoming a member.

Guiding Principles and Responsibilities

1. You have begun a personal relationship with God by asking Jesus to assume His rightful place as the director of your life. You are prepared to live in obedience to Jesus as He progressively reveals truth to you.

2. You understand the basic culture of Bethel Pentecostal Assembly and accept the mission statement of "Connecting God, Church and Community", as your own.

3. You have attended Bethel regularly for at least one year, (or transferred your membership from another church and have attended at least 6 months regularly.) You have filled out spiritual gift inventory and a ministry covent form, striving to have a biblical lifestyle and behavior that represents Jesus Christ and partnership with Bethel. You are presently serving in at least one are of ministry at Bethel.

4. You accept the PAOC statement of faith and beliefs.

5. You are committed to regularly support Bethel with your finances, understanding the biblical principles of tithes and offerings.

When we honour God with tithes and offerings; (MALACHI 3:8-10)

It says I thank God for my past blessings
I put God first in the present
I trust God for my future

See also Leviticus 27:30, Proverbs 3:9, Matthew 6:19-24, 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (NIV)

6. You will participate in the decision making process of Bethel by attending all congregational business meetings. In order to become an official member of Bethel Pentecostal Assembly, a person must agree and comply with the afore said guiding principles and responsibilities, return this application form to the office and follow through with a membership interview or class(es).

May God richly bless you as we "do life together".