Membership

Hopesprings recognizes that membership in a local church is not required for salvation nor necessary for one to grow in Christ. Membership is for the purpose of public identification with, accountability to, and greater levels of service in this local church family. Membership in Hopesprings is solely a personal attribute, and is not conveyed by birth, marriage, family, or previous membership in any other church organization.

Personal Requirements

1. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ, by faith in him alone for salvation
2. Wholehearted endorsement of the statement of faith of Hopesprings
3. Commitment to support this church and its ministries through the giving of one’s time, spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and financial resources
4. Commitment to the purpose and philosophy of Hopesprings and a pledge of cooperation to those in leadership

Requirements to become a member

1. Regular attendance at Hopesprings for at least six months
2. Completion of the new members process, as determined by the board of directors
3. Participation in a pre-membership interview with members of the board of directors or their appointees
4. Commitment to regular service in ministry at Hopesprings
5. Sign the membership agreement demonstrating a willingness to uphold the church constitution including the statement of faith
6. Complete on an annual basis and return a Membership renewal Covenant to maintain active membership status. The membership covenant affirms their relationship with Christ and their agreement with the vision and purpose of Hopesprings as defined by the board of directors
7. Approval by the board of directors

Removal of Members

Any member who: (1) voluntarily withdraws from membership; or (2) willfully fails to participate in or support the ministry of the church for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months; or (3) has formally affiliated with another church without resigning as a member of this church; or (4) is believed guilty of gross misconduct and such member does not display repentance toward his or her sin may be removed from the church roll at the discretion of the board of directors after due notification. Any such action and the factual basis, therefore, shall be noted on the minutes of the board of directors. In cases of extended absences, special consideration and exceptions shall be made by the board of directors for those members who have extenuating circumstances, such as, health, travel, business or family situations. Request by members for special consideration must be made in writing to the board of directors.

Discipline

Discipline is a grace-based process, exercised in love that seeks to restore fallen Christians to god and with his church; guard the reputation of the church; protect the purity of the church; and prevent other Christians from being tempted, misled, divided, or otherwise harmed (Galatians. 6:1-10; Hebrews 12:1-13). The desired outcomes of discipline are that God’s glory be achieved, grace and love be extended to all those involved, the church body be built up, and the offender be restored.

Matters of discipline shall be exercised in accordance with scripture and Hopesprings prescribed process and policies of church discipline. When a grievous sin or serious offense occurs, Matthew 18:15-20 and James 5:19-20 instruct believers to make personal and informal efforts to resolve the issue. In the occasion of gross misconduct by a believer, the church leadership is responsible to exercise discipline, the desired outcomes of which are expressed above. Disciplinary measures may include but are not limited to admonition, rebuke, removal or suspension from ministry roles, removal from Hopesprings or communion, or removal from membership.