IDENTIFYING THE COMMITTED Who is Cool Community Church? At one level, anyone who comes to Cool Church and calls us their church home, is Cool Community Church. Membership involves agreement with our doctrine, devotion to Christ, service in kingdom-advancing activities through our church, and regular attendance. Another word--perhaps a better one--for "membership" is "commitment." All are welcome to covenant with God and our church in this act of commitment. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? (Luke 9:23b-25, NIV)

IDENTIFIYING THE LEADERS In the New Testament we read of two church offices: elder (overseer) and deacon. At Cool Church we take leadership responsibilities seriously and follow the qualifications as listed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. But from where do our elders and deacons come? They come from our church membership. We seek leaders that are committed to Christ and committed to Cool Church. Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. (1 Timothy 3:1, NIV)

IDENTIFYING THE DECISION-MAKERS From time to time significant decisions need to be made in the life of a church--to call a senior pastor, to sell property, to relocate a church campus. These decisions not only deserve input from members, but at Cool Church, the members actually make these decisions through a "congregational vote." How do we decide on who gets to vote? At Cool Church only those who are church members are formally involved in these infrequent yet important decisions.

ACCOUNTABILITY God calls Christians to keep one another accountable (Galatians 6:1), to follow His commands (Exodus 20), to live out the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to carry the gospel to all the world (Matthew 28:18-19). One of the purposes of membership is to identify those with whom we aer like-minded in following Christ. Members at Cool Church say to eachother, "If I am going against God's Word, I want a fellow member or the church leadership to gently restore me to God's plan." Church membership at Cool Church is the means for genuine biblical accountability (Matthew 18:15-17).

What is Covenant-Membership?

Cool Community Church holds the issue of church membership in high regard. Membership should be more than attending church meetings and giving money. Members who enter into a covenant relationship with their local church are called to a higher degree of responsibility and service; conversely, the pastors/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.

To transition from an attendee to a covenant member of Cool Church, we invite you to attend our Covenant Membership luncheon. There you will get to know other believers as well as our Lead Pastor and one of our elders. Anyone interested in membership is encouraged to attend. Attending the luncheon does not require one to become a member.

What is the Process For Membership?

First, pray. Ask God to guide you to the right church family. Second, read our constitution. Make note of any questions. Confirm your agreement with our statement of faith and covenant. Third, RSVP for one of our covenant-membership lunches. Here you will share about Christ's presence in your life. RSVP by dropping a response tab in the offering plate, calling the church office, email, or speaking with a pastor. Bring your questions to the luncheon. Fourth, sign our membership covenant. Fifth, say your "I dos" in response to the church covenant before the church family.