Membership at ACC
In regard to becoming a member of ACC, Atlantic Community Church holds to an historic baptism belief, firmly grounded in the New Testament. According to the New Testament pattern, following confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, a Christ-follower will be baptized by immersion as a believer. We believe that according to the Biblical pattern baptism is always “believer’s baptism”. (i.e. belief & conversion first – followed by baptism). As well, we believe that the New Testament mode of baptism was by immersion. New Christ-followers at ACC are baptized by immersion. Following baptism you will be invited to become a member of ACC.
In regard to becoming a member of ACC through a transfer of membership from another church, ACC welcomes members based on their Christian conversion, Christian experience & believer’s baptism.
i.. Prospective members are asked to give evidence of their Christian commitment and conversion experience to the board of elders and to share their baptism story.
ii.. In regard to someone transferring from another Christian tradition who has not been baptized by immersion, we believe that as long as a person’s baptism, in another tradition has been a believer’s baptism, following testimony of their faith and commitment to Christ they can be received as full members of ACC. They need not be re-baptized.
It should be noted that at ACC we believe that the clear biblical teaching is “believer’s baptism by immersion”. We encourage everyone desiring membership at ACC, who has not been immersed, consider taking that meaningful step of faith according to the New Testament pattern and the tradition of ACC.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A MEMBER?
At ACC we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches. We only expect our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in the Membership Covenant.
THE ACC MEMBERSHIP COVENANT
“Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and been baptized, and being in agreement with ACC’s statements, strategy and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the ACC church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
I. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
...By acting in love toward other members
...By refusing to gossip
...By following the leaders
“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” Rom. 15:19 (Ph)
“Live in complete harmony with each other — each with the attitude of Christ toward each other.” Rom 15:5 (LB)
“Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts.” 1 Peter 1:22 (GN)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs...” Eph. 4:29
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Heb. 13:17
II. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
...By praying for its growth
...By inviting the unchurched to attend
...By warmly welcoming guests
“To the church...we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.” 1 Thess. 1:2
“Go out into the country...and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.” Luke 14:23 (LB)
“So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.” Rom. 15:7 (LB)
III. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
...By discovering my gifts and talents
...By being equipped to serve
...By developing a servant’s heart
“Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you...” 1 Peter 4:10 (Ph)
“God gave...some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up...” Eph. 4:11-12
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ...who took on the very nature of a servant...” Phil 2:3-4, 7
IV. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
...By attending faithfully
...By living a godly life
...By giving regularly
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together...but let us encourage one another.” Heb. 10:25
“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Phil. 1:27 (Ph)
“Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering.” 1 Cor. 16:2
“A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy.” Lev. 27:30
At ACC we value an honest and open environment. As in a family that is healthy and functioning well, we communicate openly and honestly regarding the life, ministry and vision of the church. Questions are always welcome!
If you are interested in becoming a member of ACC we would love to chat with you. Please email Kevin at
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