Membership

We believe, according to the New Testament, the local church is critical in the life of a believer. It is within the local church that believers gather regularly for worship, as expressed below. Additionally, it is within the local church that believers challenge and encourage one another through intentional discipleship efforts. Proverbs 27:17 says "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Believers need to surround themselves with fellow believers as they seek to grow as obedient followers of Christ. Additionally, the Church is God's plan A for getting the gospel to the ends of the earth. The local church bears the responsibility of equipping the saints (baptized believers) for the work of ministry. The church makes disciples and sends them out armed with the message of the gospel. In our context at Heartland, we seek to fulfill the Great Commision in Desoto County and beyond. When you join the local church here at Heartland, you are commiting to church membership as we understand from key passages in scripture.

We are

...to submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter on all issues (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21).

...to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ through regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and practice of spiritual disciplines (Luke 18:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Cor. 9:24- 27; Eph. 5:1-21; 1 Thess. 5:12-22).

...to follow the command and example of Jesus by participating in the ordinances prescribed to His Church:

by being baptized after my conversion.

by regularly remembering and celebrating the person and work of Christ through communion.

...to regularly participate in the life of HeartLand Church by attending weekly services, engaging in discipleship, and serving those within and outside of this church (Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25; Titus 3:14).

...to steward the resources God has given me, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. This includes regular financial giving, service and participation in community that is sacrificial, cheerful, and voluntary (Matt. 25:14-30; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Pet. 4:10-11).

...by God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in holiness in all areas of life as an act of worship to Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:13-16, 4:1-3).

...to put certain attitudes and actions to death while stirring and stimulating love and good deeds through the Spirit.

...to refrain from such activities that the Scriptures would deem foolish (Rom. 14:14-23).

...to take seriously the responsibility of Christian freedom, especially actions or situations that could present a stumbling block to another (1 Cor. 8:1-13).

...to do the following when I sin:

confess my sin to God and to fellow believers.

repent and seek help to put my sin to death (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; James 5:16; 1 John 1:6-10).

...to submit to the pastors and other leaders of the church and diligently strive for unity and peace within the church (Eph. 4:1-3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:5).

...to do the following should I leave the church for righteous reasons:

to notify the appropriate staff member.

to seek another church with which I can carry out my biblical responsibilities as a believer

According to scripture, here are some items that we believe about church membership that are reflected in our membership covenant.