Membership at MVCC is not a program for the especially committed — it is the normal expression of belonging to the body of Christ in this place, and a step of maturity we expect of every follower of Jesus who calls MVCC home. Membership is simply a tool that helps us be a highly aligned group of people around a common mission and vision, rather than a loosely aligned group of people who simply choose MVCC for reasons of personal preference. It’s a shift from a transactional relationship to a familial one. A shift from being a fan to a partner. It is the church affirming someone’s profession of faith and how the church says, “This person represents Jesus.” It creates mutual responsibility. The elders affirm and oversee, the member submits and participates. It’s not a club—it’s kingdom citizenship lived out locally. Simply put– Membership = formal, relational, accountable discipleship in the local body.
Ready for Membership?
Here are the next steps:
- Take the DNA biblical distinctives class if you haven't already! We offer these classes quarterly. Sign up for the next class here - be sure to select "membership pathway".
- After you've taken the DNA class, sign up for our membership class here!
- After you've attended the membership class, click here to request a membership interview.
If you are not sure about membership, have questions, or are newer to MVCCB...
- Meet with one of our pastors to hear more about membership and address any questions you may have.
- Join a missional community group, attend some of our upcoming events, and take the DNA Biblical distinctives class anyways!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need "official" membership? Isn't the universal church enough?
While all believers belong to the universal church, the New Testament describes people bound together under the authority of Christ in specific locations. Membership defines the specific body of elders and believers you are accountable to.
Why do we have a written membership covenant if the Bible doesn't specifically prescribe one?
The Bible does not prescribe a written membership document, just as it does not prescribe church budgets, websites, or meeting schedules. Scripture gives us principles and responsibilities for life together in the local church, while allowing freedom in how we organize and implement them. A written membership covenant simply provides clarity and intentionality around those biblical commitments, helping both members and leaders understand how we will care for one another and pursue Christ's mission together.
Why does the church need to say, "This person represents Jesus"? Isn't it enough that I know I belong to Him?
Your personal faith is real, and it matters more than anything else about you. But Jesus never meant the Christian life to be lived alone or signed off by you alone. He gave the local church the job of publicly recognizing who belongs to Him, so the watching world can tell a real follower from someone who just wears the name.
Think of it like a passport. The passport doesn't make you a citizen, and the people who issue it can only go on the evidence in front of them. Once in a while papers get issued wrongly, or a true citizen gets turned away at the desk. None of that changes the citizenship itself, because the King settled that, and His records are never wrong.
The church works the same way. We confirm what we can see: a credible profession of faith and a life that backs it up. We do it honestly, but we see the outside and God sees the heart, so our "yes" is a real and weighty witness, but not a flawless guarantee. It doesn't make you a Christian. Christ already did that when He saved you. Your security rests on Him, who never misreads His own, and the church's "yes" comes alongside as a gift, not the foundation.
Scripture. The church's authority to affirm: Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18-20; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 2:41-42. For the watching world: John 13:34-35. Real but fallible: 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 2:19; Matthew 7:21-23; 1 John 2:19.
What if I disagree with some of the church's secondary doctrines?
We require agreement with our core DNA Biblical Distinctives. If you have minor disagreements on secondary issues that do not prevent us from pursuing the mission together, they should not prevent membership.
Is the interview a "test" I have to pass?
No. It is a relational time (~45 mins) to ensure we know how to best care for your soul and to hear how you came to faith.
What happens if I can’t meet the "Five Rhythms" perfectly?
Membership is a "standard of direction," not a "standard of perfection". These rhythms are targets we aim for together as we help each other follow Jesus.
Why should I become a member if I already attend regularly?
Regular attendance is valuable, but membership is a public commitment to belong, serve, and be cared for within a specific church family. Membership moves us from being consumers of a church's ministry to active participants in its mission.
Can I be a member if I am not serving yet?
Yes. While we encourage every member to use their gifts to serve the body, membership is about committing to follow Jesus together within the church family. We will help you discover opportunities to serve as you grow.
Can I serve without being a member?
Yes. We encourage everyone to serve and participate in the life of the church. However, some roles are reserved for members because they involve leadership, teaching, spiritual care, or representing the church to others. Membership helps ensure that those serving in these capacities are aligned with the church's mission, doctrine, and values.
Does membership save me or make me more of a Christian?
No. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through church membership. Membership does not make someone a Christian; rather, it is a church's recognition and affirmation of a credible profession of faith.
Why does the church keep a membership list?
Membership helps us know who we are responsible to shepherd, care for, and hold accountable. Just as a family knows who belongs to it, the church keeps a clear record of those who have formally committed themselves to the life and mission of the church, and makes it easier to communicate with our people.
What if I am a member of another church?
We encourage believers to have their membership in the church where they are actively worshiping, serving, and receiving spiritual care. If Mountain View is becoming your church home, we would encourage you to transfer your membership here.
Can I leave membership if God leads me to another church?
Absolutely. Membership is a commitment, not a lifetime contract. If God calls you to another biblically faithful church, we want to bless that transition and help you connect faithfully to your new church family.
Why does membership include accountability?
Biblical accountability is one of God's gifts for our growth and protection. We all have blind spots and areas where we need encouragement, correction, and support. Membership creates a context where believers lovingly help one another follow Jesus faithfully.
Why are members expected to attend regularly?
Gathering with the church is one of the primary ways God encourages, teaches, and strengthens His people. Regular participation helps us worship together, care for one another, and fulfill the "one another" commands found throughout the New Testament.
What if I'm still exploring Christianity?
You do not need to become a member to attend, ask questions, or learn more about Jesus. We are glad you are here. Membership is intended for those who have placed their faith in Christ and are ready to commit to following Him within a local church family.
Why does membership matter if I already have a personal relationship with Jesus?
Following Jesus is deeply personal, but it was never intended to be private or isolated. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are connected to a local church where they worship, serve, receive care, and help others grow. Membership is a practical way of living out that biblical commitment.