At August Gate, we believe one of the ways we grow to know, love, and follow Jesus deeper is through locking arms with the local church through Covenant Membership. No one will ever grow in the church if they leave as soon as things get hard. We are committed to making disciples of Jesus who live out the implications of the gospel rather than just giving it lip service. Like the covenant of marriage, growth happens when we stay true to our commitment, address sin and conflict, and allow ourselves to be challenged and stretched. This is where we believe sanctification happens. This is where we grow to know, love, and follow Jesus deeper.
Members are integral to the life and function of the local church. We are committed to equipping members to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12) and to operate in their gifts so that the church grows into a mature, healthy body (Ephesians 4:15-16). We believe a committed, proactive body of disciples is a powerful force for the Kingdom. It's what God desires for us and from us.
Members are integral to the life and function of the local church. We are committed to equipping members to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12) and to operate in their gifts so that the church grows into a mature, healthy body (Ephesians 4:15-16). We believe a committed, proactive body of disciples is a powerful force for the Kingdom. It's what God desires for us and from us.
FAQ
Why Covenant Membership?
Membership is a covenant between committed people and the leadership of August Gate Church. The weight of entering into a covenant may be diminished in our culture where promises are made casually and broken vows are the norm. But we use the language intentionally to communicate that membership is to be entered into with sobriety and commitment.
This commitment goes two ways. Should you choose to become a member you are acknowledging that you desire to be held to a higher degree of responsibility by church leadership. In choosing to become a member, you are also receiving the promise of counsel, service, aid, prayer, teaching, and guidance from the leadership.
Membership is not a status symbol or a social club that you get to join. You don’t get a t-shirt or a parking space. You should not enter into the membership covenant because you’ve been around a while and figure it’s the next step or “something you should do”. Nor should you enter into the membership covenant simply to say, “August Gate is my church.” That’s part of it, but membership is more than that. It is an informed commitment to the doctrine and vision of August Gate Church, a willing submission to the leadership of the church, and an intentional embrace of your role in the Body of Christ and the Mission of the church. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-12, 4:15-16; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-4).
How do I become a Covenant Member?
You must first attend a series of three classes called: AG 101, AG 201, and AG 301. Here you will learn more about the mission, vision, and values of August Gate. You will dive deeper into our theological distinctives and what makes August Gate unique. During AG 301, you will set up a meeting with one of our elders to hear your testimony, discuss your partnership in ministry, and ask any questions you have! You must then affirm and sign the Membership Covenant, and be installed during one of our inductions. For more information on each class, please see the below videos.
You must first attend a series of three classes called: AG 101, AG 201, and AG 301. Here you will learn more about the mission, vision, and values of August Gate. You will dive deeper into our theological distinctives and what makes August Gate unique. During AG 301, you will set up a meeting with one of our elders to hear your testimony, discuss your partnership in ministry, and ask any questions you have! You must then affirm and sign the Membership Covenant, and be installed during one of our inductions. For more information on each class, please see the below videos.