What is Hope Membership?

Membership at Hope expresses our commitment to Jesus Christ, the vision of the church and the church family in the giving of our time, resources, money and gifts.

As members we are committed to living in accountable relationships, to love, support and encourage one another in our pursuit of a closer relationship with Jesus.

Hope is a Congregational Church

There are lots of different types of churches such as the Church of England (Anglican), Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Vineyard, Catholic. Hope is a ‘Congregational’ Church and we explain that more below. Most importantly we are a church who love and follow Jesus Christ.

Our Congregational roots have some impact on the way that we ‘do church.’ The Congregational church began in Reformation times in the 17th Century. Congregationalists found that they were not able to follow Jesus freely within the existing churches at the time because these had become overly controlling and politically corrupt. They started new churches that aimed to simply live as Jesus taught and continue His mission on earth. Today we are part of the Congregational Federation – a group of 294 Congregational churches across the UK. We also love to work together with other types of church across the city, country and world.

Congregationalism emphasises ‘every member ministry.’ God has given us all gifts and we are all to be actively involved in using these as part of being church. Church Members play an important role in the life of Hope. Members are encouraged to share with the pastors and elders what they sense God is saying to the church. In Church Business Meetings, members discern together how the Holy Spirit is leading us. Only Members are allowed to vote in these meetings.

What Membership Involves

Commitment to Jesus: One of the ways we express this is through baptism. You need to be baptised to become a member.

Accountable Relationships: We are open and honest with others about our life and journey with Jesus, asking for and offering help and encouragement.

Commitment to Hope’s vision: Our vision is to bring hope to all people through the good news of Jesus. We have 4 dreams which help to shape our focus.

Giving time, resources, money & gifts: Hope is financially supported by the tithes and gifts of Members and people who attend Hope. We encourage all members to consider tithing (but this is not a requirement!) We also all voluntarily give our time in various ways. 

How to Become a Member

This is how you do it:

1.   Become established and known within Hope over a period of time.

2.   Attend a Membership Meeting or Newcomers meal to understand what membership involves.

3.   Ask the Hope office let the elders know you would like to become a member. This will then be brought to the elders at one of their regular meetings.

4.   Have your name presented to the existing church members.

Be welcomed as a member during a Sunday service.