Associate Membership

Process

A New Associate Members Class is offered at least twice a year. This seminar seeks to introduce the potential Associate Member to the mission, doctrinal statement and ministries of the BICF, and provide clear direction in how to serve in various capacities. Those who agree to the 'Covenant of Fellowship' during the seminar then become an 'Associate Member.' Time and place will be provided in the bulletin.

Covenant of Fellowship

Associate Members affirm commitment to the following, to be expressed through affiliation with the BICF:

To Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

To seeking Him through a life of faith, and to obedience to the teaching of Scripture;

To the Doctrinal Statement of the Fellowship;

To attending the congregational meeting as diligently as possible;

To seeking a knowledge of their spiritual gift(s) and expressing them through one of the ministries of the Fellowship;

To participation in a small group, as family and other priorities permit;

To relating graciously and lovingly to other members, preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace;

To supporting the Fellowship in prayer, and through systematic, proportionate giving as God supplies and directs.

Associate Members Meetings

At least twice a year the Elders will announce in the congregational worship service and in the Fellowship Bulletin an Associate Members Meeting. During this meeting the Elders and Deacons will provide Associate Members an update on ministry progress in the Fellowship, direction for the coming 6 months, the finances of the Fellowship, and any other necessary information. The Chairman of the Board of Elders shall lead the meeting.

Active and Inactive Membership

The Board of Elders shall maintain an active Associate Members roll and review it once each year. Any Associate Members who absent themselves from the services of the BICF for a period of six months without notifying the Deacons or Elders of the reason for this departure shall be placed on an inactive roll.

Termination of Associate Membership

Termination of Associate Membership may be by any of the following ways:

Death

Departure: Associate Members in good standing who are leaving the city shall be given, upon request, a letter of recommendation affirming their faith-fullness in serving the Lord through the BICF.

Change of view regarding the BICF Doctrinal Statement or failure to fulfill the obligations of the Covenant of Fellowship.

Discipline. To maintain the peace and purity of the church, the Scripture permits the removal of any person from the membership for disciplinary reasons (Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 2:16-21). When an Associate Member engages in conduct that in the opinion of the Elders is detrimental to the unity, peace, purity or ministry of the Fellowship, the Elders will appoint appropriate individuals to counsel, and if necessary rebuke the individual (Matthew 18:15-16; Galatians 6:1).If reasonable attempts toward restoration are unsuccessful, charges shall be submitted to the Board of Elders in writing. The accused person shall be notified of the charges and, if they desire to respond, shall be given opportunity to respond to the Elders. They shall be notified of the meeting at least one week in advance.

Because many expatriate Christians living in Beijing are in the city for a limited time, they may not desire to transfer membership from their home church to the BICF. On the other hand many who come to Beijing desire a sense of belonging and affiliation with a Christian fellowship while they are here. The BICF therefore offers Associate Membership to those who desire to affiliate with the Fellowship. This Associate Membership does not require the Associate Member to terminate their membership with their home church.

Associate Membership

Process

Covenant of Fellowship

Associate Members Meetings

Active and Inactive Membership

Termination of Associate Membership

Events

Sermons

Resources