Membership is open to any person at least eighteen (18) years of age that in the sole determination of the Church Board meets the following criteria:
(a) Professes faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, giving testimony of a change of heart from sin toward God;
(b) Is in agreement with the Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant
(c) Has been baptized in accordance with the Articles of Faith; and
(d) Is not a member of a church other than FCC, [except as specifically approved by the Church Board].
The process for becoming a member includes the following steps:
(a) Membership Class. Candidates for Membership must attend the FCC membership class.
(b) Application. Candidates for Membership must submit a completed membership application form.
(c) Board Review and Decision. Representative(s) from the Church Board will meet with the applicant to discuss the applicant’s profession of faith, baptism, and alignment with the Articles of Faith. The Church Board shall review the application and has final authority to approve or deny membership.
(d) Notification to the Members. After review and approval by the Church Board, the Membership Secretary shall cause the names of approved applicants to be shared with the Members for a period of fourteen (14) days (“Notice Period”) as informational notice in order to promote transparency and allow existing Members to raise any Biblical or “for cause” concerns related to the applicant becoming a Member.
(e) Concerns (if any). Any Member may submit a written concern to the Church Board within the Notice Period if they believe there is a Biblical or character-related issue relevant to applicant’s membership qualifications. The Church Board shall review any submitted concerns at its discretion.
(f) Final Authority. Concerns raised by any Member during the Notice Period do not constitute a vote or veto of Membership decisions, and the final authority to grant or withhold the applicant’s Membership remains solely with the Church Board. Membership shall be effective upon Church Board approval and completion of the Notice Period.