Welcome to the Membership page for Richland Center Free Methodist Church (RCFMC). This page is designed to guide you through the principles, history, and commitments of being a member of our church family.

Why Membership?

Membership at RCFMC is a testimony to your commitment to Jesus Christ and your desire to live a life of Christ-likeness within a supportive community.

• Biblical Foundation: The church is the “body of Christ,” called to love God, love people, and make disciples (Ephesians 4:11-13).
• Purpose: Membership demonstrates a shared mission to glorify God and grow in faith together.
• Mission: "Love God, love people, make disciples". Produce Christlike individuals and transforming the world for God’s glory.

What Does Membership Mean?

Membership in the Free Methodist Church is a Covenant Membership, reflecting a deep, mutual commitment between the member and the church. It mirrors biblical covenants such as:

• Abraham: God’s promise of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3).
• Moses: The law as a guide for holy living (Exodus 19:5-6).
• Jesus: The New Covenant, fulfilled through His sacrifice (Luke 22:20).

Member Promises:

• Sustain a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Advance God’s mission and preserve church unity.
• Actively participate in ministry and cherish fellowship.

Church Promises:

• Honor Christ and obey Scripture.
• Provide spiritual sacraments, empower members, and support their growth.

Steps to Membership

1. Repentance and Faith:
   1. Confess and turn away from sin.
   2. Embrace Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
2. Baptism:
   1. A public declaration of faith, symbolizing your new life in Christ.
3. Acceptance of Key Beliefs:
   1. Affirm the Articles of Religion and Membership Covenant from the Free Methodist Book of Discipline.
4. Active Participation:
   1. Support the church and its ministries, seeking God’s glory in all things.
5. Approval and Public Declaration:
   1. Be approved by the local board of administration and declare your membership vows publicly.

The Spiritual Journey

Membership is part of a lifelong journey of spiritual growth, reflected in four key stages of grace:

• Prevenient Grace: God’s grace working in your life before you even know Him.
• Saving Grace: The moment of salvation through faith in Jesus.
• Sanctifying Grace: A growing relationship with Christ, marked by holiness and transformation.
• Glorifying Grace: The ultimate perfection; God’s eternal promise in heaven.

Our Heritage

The Free Methodist Church traces its roots back to:

1. The New Testament Church: Founded by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
2. The Protestant Reformation (1517):
   1. Martin Luther emphasized salvation by grace through faith.
3. Methodism (1738):
   1. John Wesley’s movement focused on holiness and accountability, giving rise to the Methodist Church.
4. The Free Methodist Church (1860):
   1. Founded by B.T. Roberts, emphasizing freedom in worship, rejection of slavery, and a commitment to holiness.

Key Distinctives

• Holiness: Living as close to Jesus as possible, not just avoiding sin but seeking a Christlike life.
• Freedom: No pew rents or oppressive practices; worship should be open and accessible to all.
• Mission: Reaching out to a broken world with the hope of Jesus Christ.

Resources

• 2023 Book of Discipline (Articles of Religion)

Join Us

Ready to take the next step?

Contact the office for information on joining our next Membership Class.