CHURCH MEMBERS
The prospective members having come forward to stand before the altar of the church, the pastor shall address them as follows:
DEARLY BELOVED: The privileges and blessings that we have in association together in the Church of Jesus Christ are very sacred and precious. There is in it such hallowed fellowship as cannot otherwise be known.
There is such helpfulness with brotherly watch care and counsel as can be found only in the Church.
There is the godly care of pastors, with the teachings of the Word; and the helpful inspiration of social worship. And there is cooperation in service, accomplishing that which cannot otherwise be done. The doctrines upon which the church rests as essential to Christian experience are brief.
We believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We especially emphasize the deity of Jesus Christ and the personality of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that human beings are born in sin; that they need the work of forgiveness through Christ and the new birth by the Holy Spirit; that subsequent to this there is the deeper work of heart cleansing or entire sanctification through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and that to each of these works of grace the Holy Spirit gives witness.
We believe that our Lord will return, the dead shall be raised, and that all shall come to final judgment with its rewards and punishments.
Do you heartily believe these truths? If so, answer, "I do."
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and do you realize that He saves you now?
Response: I do.
Desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene, do you covenant to give yourself to the fellowship and work of God in connection with it, as set forth in the General Rules and the Covenant of Christian Conduct of the Church of the Nazarene? Will you endeavor in every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving of your means; by faithful attendance upon the means of grace; and, abstaining from all evil, will you seek earnestly to perfect holiness of heart and life in the fear of the Lord?
Response: I will.
The minister shall then say to the person or persons:
I welcome you into this church, to its sacred fellowship, responsibilities, and privileges. May the great Head of the Church bless and keep you, and enable you to be faithful in all good works, that your life and witness may be effective in leading others to Christ.
The minister shall then take each one by the hand, and with appropriate words of personal greeting welcome each into the church.
(Alternate form for members joining by letter of transfer
_________________________, formerly a member (members) of the Church of the Nazarene at __________________________, comes (come) to join the fellowship of this local congregation.
Taking each by the hand, or speaking to the group, the minister shall say:
It gives me pleasure on behalf of this church to welcome you into our membership. We trust that we will be a source of encouragement and strength to you and that you, in turn, will be a source of blessing and help to us. May the Lord richly bless you in the salvation of souls and in the advancement of His kingdom.
