What's Up With Membership?

At Parkview, becoming a member represents a significant shift in mindset—from “I attend this church” to “This is my church.”  It means you are publicly identified with the family of God, both here at Parkview and the Church universal.   We want membership to be all about how we loyally commit to care for and serve one another, in and out of weekend services. It’s a mutual dedication to a shared mission, and a willingness to do life together and the benefits that come in and through authentic spiritual community.  This style of high-commitment membership says, “This is my family!”   

It’s about Partnership

Membership is a means of giving yourself wholeheartedly [time, money, abilities] to something you believe in – to a cause bigger than yourself.  It says, “I not only applaud what you are doing, but you can count on my active participation in fulfilling the mission of this church!”   It means you’re willing to serve in various ministry initiatives that are helping to equip Jesus followers in accomplishing our mission of reaching lost people who are looking to find their way back to God and guiding them into authentic Christian community.  During the week, you may lead or participate in a small group fostering community and spiritual development in a more intimate venue.  In everyday life, you represent Jesus by engaging the culture and investing in friendships with and serving unchurched people.  The hope is to raise Jesus’ reputation through your life and eventually invite them to follow Jesus and perhaps join you in worship. Membership also means that while you invest in the life of the church, Parkview strategically invests in you providing teaching, training, accountability, care, encouragement and opportunities to grow and apply your faith to real life.  

It’s about Relationship

It’s a way of signifying that you’re giving yourself unreservedly to a living relationship -- one that will have its ups and downs, much like a marriage.  Saying “I’m fully committed” is a very counter-cultural decision in a commitment-phobic world where “living together” provides you with an easy exit if the relationship no longer suits you.  God has created us for relationship. You are not alone. You should not be alone.  Together we pursue Jesus in the context of loving, gracious and encouraging friendships in which Christ is our common bond.

Are You Ready?

Then drop a note to our Connections Director, Robin Ahn, or call the office at 630-469-4306.  If you're ready to take the next step, you can download and complete this membership faith story and get it to us.  Either way, we're glad you're here!