Covenant Membership Class FAQ:

1. Why is it so “difficult” to join the church?
2. What if I have not been baptized by immersion or am not attending a home group?
3. Why do you limit class attendance to 250 participants?
4. What if our student desires to attend with us?
5. What if I cannot attend those class times due to a scheduling conflict?
6. What is The Village Church Covenant?

Why is it so “difficult” to join the church?

We hold the issue of church membership in high regard. To us, membership is more than just attending church meetings and writing a tithe check. Members who enter into a covenant with their local church are called to a higher degree of responsibility and service; conversely, the elders have covenanted to assist their members first and foremost, to provide counsel, service, and aid, as well as to pray, teach, and guide as necessary.

Also, participants receive many benefits from attending the class. The class gives you the opportunity to make an informed decision about joining our church, to meet the staff and elders, and to build community with others in the class. Your family will be assigned a B-Team (Belong Team) host. They will assist you in the process of becoming a home group member and understanding the covenant completion process.

What if I have not been baptized by immersion or am not attending a home group?

We will offer the baptism class during the same timeframe as the Covenant Membership Class. This will give you an opportunity to learn more about this ordinance and be baptized by immersion prior to class completion. Also, you will be assigned a B-Team (Belong Team) host. They will assist you in finding a home group that will meet your family's needs.

If your family does not intend to join a Village Church home group, or does not agree with our beliefs on baptism, we still welcome your fellowship and attendance with us. However, you will not be considered as candidates for covenant membership.

Why do you limit class attendance to 250 participants?

While we try to accommodate as many as possible, we cannot logistically accommodate a class larger than this size. Plus, a larger class would be counterproductive to our aim of building community in the class and through home group assimilation.

While we do not have a permanent waiting list for this class, we do offer a temporary waiting list during class sign-ups. That is, when the class reaches capacity, you can be put on a waiting list to see if anyone cancels before sign-ups end. If someone cancels, you may be notified and placed on the class roster.

What if our student desires to attend with us?

Covenant Membership applies for those who are 16+. Thus, we have not historically allowed students to attend, unless they are older than 16 and desiring to walk in community with the church. Also, if the student (when 18) plans on moving away to college, she should consider waiting to find a local church to join and call home, in the city where she will be living.

If a student (16+) desires to be a covenant member, she must join a home group (student D-groups do apply, if she is in high school, though she will be asked to join a college home group when she graduates). She will be assigned a table with other singles, so that our B-Team hosts can assist her in the process of joining a group and completing the membership process. Or, she can join you at your table, if she would like to stay with you. Just be aware that parents will be grouped with other adult couples.

Due to space limitations in the class (we only have chairs and table room for 250), we ask you not to bring any additional students, 15 years or younger, since covenant membership would not apply, according to our Constitution and Bylaws. However, our student ministry also meets on Wednesday nights, so they will have activities for students their age while you are attending the class. Please contact our student pastor Blake Chilton with further questions.

What if I cannot attend those class times due to a scheduling conflict?

As mentioned, we try to accommodate as many people as possible, but inevitably scheduling conflicts occur. At this time, we do not have an alternative to taking the class and completing the attendance requirements. However, by the end of 2006, we hope to offer a take-home version for those with work conflicts. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

What is The Village Church Covenant?

To view the contents of the Village Church Covenant, you may download The Village Church Covenant.

If you have further questions regarding this class, please contact Sara Duran, Connections Minister.