Becoming a Member at Northern Light Church
Church membership is about more than having your name on a list — it’s about becoming part of a family on mission together. At Northern Light Church, membership means joining with others who have committed to growing in Christ, supporting one another, and advancing the Gospel in Northern Michigan and beyond.
We believe the Bible shows the local church as a spiritual family, where believers are connected through faith in Jesus Christ, unified by the Holy Spirit, and accountable to one another for encouragement, growth, and mission. When you become a member, you are saying:
- I belong here. This is my church home and where God has called me to grow and serve.
- I believe in the mission. I agree with Northern Light Church’s vision of Helping People Discover the Joy of Growing Closer to Jesus by Meeting Them Where They’re At and will help Shine the Light of Jesus to Northern Michigan.
- I am willing to live out biblical community. I will participate in worship, serve alongside others, pray for my church family, and seek to live according to God’s Word.
- I accept mutual responsibility. I submit to the care and spiritual leadership of the church and agree to walk together in love, grace, and accountability.
What Membership Means for Church Decision-Making
Membership is not just about participation — it’s about shared responsibility. As a member, you are part of the decision-making body of the church. This means that on important matters affecting the direction, leadership, and doctrine of Northern Light Church, your voice matters.
Members help make decisions such as:
- Approving new Church Leadership who will lead and serve the church
- Voting on major church matters.
While everyday ministry decisions are handled by the Senior Pastor and Church Leadership, members have authority on key issues that shape and protect the mission and integrity of the church. Membership means you are not only cared for and growing — you are helping guard and guide the future of this church family.
How Membership Works
The process of becoming a member involves a few important steps:
- Professing Saving Faith and Being Baptized — Membership is open to those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and we strongly encourage being baptized by immersion.
- Completing a Membership Introduction Session — This helps you learn more about who we are, what we believe, and how we live out church life together.
- Affirming Our Covenant and Statement of Faith — Members agree to walk together in unity, sound doctrine, and shared mission.
- Committing to Biblical Participation and Community — Members are expected to gather faithfully, serve in ministry, give generously, and grow continually in Christ.
Membership also means walking together in accountability. If someone strays from biblical living, the church lovingly seeks restoration (Matthew 18:15-17), but membership may be ended if a person chooses to reject Christ’s authority or live in willful sin without repentance.
This is not about perfection, but direction. Membership is about being part of something bigger than ourselves — the family of God, growing and serving together as we wait for Christ’s return.
Ready to take the next step?
The video below will explain more about what membership looks like and how you can be part of what God is doing through Northern Light Church. After watching, please answer the questions to confirm your understanding and desire to pursue membership.
Please complete the following questionnaire.