What is Church Membership?

We believe that church membership is the tangible and visible expression of being baptized into the body of Christ, adopted into the family of God, and being built into a new temple, a dwelling place for God by the Holy Spirit. It is, in fact, the biblical authors’ assumption that every Christian is a part of a local church. This is because the local church is the primary means whereby God sanctifies, protects, and instructs his people in the gospel of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Church membership is also a sacred covenant between the redeemed of a local church, whereby they voluntarily enter submission and accountability with one another for the sake of living out Christ in their individual lives and as a community. Membership is, therefore, a recognized covenant relationship with each individual fitted as a part of the larger whole, in mutual submission and accountability to the imperium of Christ. 

When a person becomes a Christian, he doesn’t just join a local church because it’s a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. He joins a local church because it’s the expression of what Christ has made him—a member of the body of Christ. Being united to Christ means being united to every Christian. But that universal union must be given a living, breathing existence in the local church.

-Mark Dever, Capitol Hill Baptist Church

Membership Process

Step 1: Membership Class

Join us for our membership class, where Pastor Nathan will explain Heritage’s core beliefs and what it means to be part of our community. This five-hour class, with lunch provided, will take place in the chapel. It’s the first step to becoming a member, but even if you’ve been a member for a while, we encourage everyone to come and gain a fresh understanding of Heritage’s mission, beliefs, and values.
We are currently offering classes on March 29, 2026 (childcare available) and May 17, 2026 (childcare not available). You can register through the button below. Email Josiah at jdschrodt@hbclynchburg.com with any questions.
March 29 - Childcare Available
May 17 - No Childcare

Step 2: Elder Interview

Following your attendance at the Membership Class, you will be assigned to read Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus by Jonathan Leeman, the HBC Constitution, the HBC Member Covenant, and an article on church-size dynamics by Tim Keller.

You will then be interviewed by an elder/pastor or deacon. Don’t stress! This is so that our leadership can get to know you, hear your testimony of the Lord Jesus and his saving work in your life, prepare to love you well as a fellow church member, and recommend your name for membership before the congregation.

Step 3: Congregational Affirmation

The last step in the process of becoming a member of HBC is to be voted in by the existing membership of the church. Jesus gave authority over the church to his gathered people (Matthew 18:18-20). This is what it means to be an elder-led, congregationally-governed local church. Thus, it is the congregation’s role to not only affirm your faith and life in the Lord Jesus at the vote, but also to commit to ongoing encouragement and accountability for your good in Christ. See the upcoming new member votes below:

  • December 14
  • January 25
  • May 10
  • June 28

Click here to read our Church and Member Covenant.