And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47) .
Click here for a brief description of what our pastor and elders hope to expect from our members.
Corporate spiritual vitality . . . together in the temple (Church assembly). . . in one another's homes . . . and accountable for each other's lives. From the start it's been the normal pattern for the church to assemble together for reverent worship. To belong to the Head of the church means being a member of His body. Saint Augustine wrote, "He cannot have God as Father, who will not have the Church for his mother." While there are many paths to our front door, we've paved the following walkway into supportive, accountable membership at River City.
"Getting Acquainted" Classes (optional & open for "starters")
Classes meet over a multi-week cycle where church leaders unpack River City's key ministries. Here newcomers often get their first opportunity to match a Sunday morning, large-group worship experience with a small-group experience.
"ASK" Membership Classes (mandatory for those contemplating membership)
This is a 5-hour series, offered in two venues: a 2-part seminar (often Friday PM/Saturday AM) or 1-hour sessions over 5 weeks (usually on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings). Sessions include explanations of what it means to be a Christian, what Presbyterian's believe, what is distinctive about River City, why the need for membership, and what is offered to and required for "covenant membership."
For those wishing to proceed, here are the steps to membership:
- Sign the Church Covenant, a definition of how we are committed to living together.
- Request a membership interview with one of the church elders, where membership candidates have an opportunity to share how Christ became their highest treasure, their understanding of the Gospel, any previous experiences of church membership, their willingness to be baptized if they have yet to do so, as well as to personally get to know some of the leadership of the church and them get to know you.
- Participate in a Covenant Affirmation service. Together with others who have completed the foregoing preparation, new members voice their hearty "I do's" to the Church Covenant and are received by congregational vote into River City's congregation!
Get involved! Become intimately involved with the life and ministry of River City. Speak to the elders or other staff about joining a small group. If interested in serving at River City we would love to speak to you about what that might mean.
