We believe that Membership Matters
& here’s why.
WHY MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
The church is not just something we attend — it’s something we become together. Membership invites us to move from spectators to participants, from consuming to contributing. It's a deeper step to community. It’s how we say yes to being part of God’s work in our church, our city and beyond.
Membership creates alignment — It allows the church to move forward with unity, steward resources wisely, and serve our city with purpose. By committing to membership, you’re helping shape the future of the church and saying, “This is my spiritual home, and I want to be part of its mission.”
WHAT IS MEMBERSHIP?
Church membership is a meaningful step of commitment to a local church family. Practically, it allows you to participate in important decisions by voting in our Annual Business Meeting on matters that affect the overall direction of our church. More than that, membership is a deeper step into community — it’s choosing to belong, to be known, and to walk alongside others in faith.
Membership also carries responsibility. As members, we willingly live with accountability, submit to spiritual leadership, and represent the body of Christ through our words, actions, and character. It’s a commitment to grow together, serve faithfully, and reflect Jesus well— both within the church and beyond it.
WHAT IS TITHING?
Tithing is the biblical practice of giving the first ten percent of our income back to God as an act of worship, gratitude, and trust. Throughout Scripture, God's people honoured Him by giving from the first and best of what He had provided, recognizing that everything they possessed ultimately belonged to Him (Proverbs 3:9–10; Malachi 3:10).
In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the importance of giving while emphasizing that generosity flows from a transformed heart (Matthew 23:23). The early church was marked by joyful, sacrificial generosity, giving willingly to support the mission of the church and care for those in need (Acts 2:44–47; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8).
At Bethesda, we believe regular tithing is a practical expression of discipleship. It is an act of worship that demonstrates our trust in God, supports the ministry of the local church, and enables us to fulfill the mission of helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
STEP 1: Attend our Discover Bethesda class
At our Discover Bethesda class, you will learn about OUR VISION AS A CHURCH, INCLUDING OUR HEART BEHIND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. You can GO through it at your own pace by clicking below.
STEP 2: READ the membership REQUIREMENTS
both the membership & eligibility and the constitution & by-laws
STEP 3: FILL OUT THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
once your membership application is submitted, you will be contacted by someone from our office.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP
-
When you become a member at Bethesda, you’re making a commitment on several levels.
Practically, you gain a voice in important decisions, like voting at our annual business meeting. Spiritually and relationally, you step into a deeper level of community - joining a body that supports, encourages, and holds each other accountable.
Membership signifies worshipping God with your tithes and offerings, getting involved and serving others, committing to regular attendance, staying in harmony with our community, and living a life that reflects Christ in both attitude and action.
It’s about responsibility, representing Christ well, and living out His love with others. Being a member is both a privilege and a way to grow together as a family of faith.
-
Different faith communities handle membership in different ways. At Bethesda, being active in worship, service, or giving does not automatically make you a member.
We have an official membership process to help you take intentional steps into our community:
Attend a Discover Bethesda class to learn about who we are, what we believe, and how we operate.
Read the membership requirements so you know what’s expected and how to grow as part of our family. You can download your copies above.
Submit your application to formally join - we’ve made it easy to access above.
This process ensures that every member is fully informed, committed, and ready to step into the life and mission of our church.
-
Yes, of course! Membership isn’t required to serve and be part of what God is doing at Bethesda. If you’re not already serving on one of our volunteer teams, we ask that you submit a volunteer application to get the process started.
Serving is a wonderful way to get connected, use your gifts, and make an impact in our community.
-
Of course you are! Every act of worship, service, and giving contributes to the life and mission of our church. We are so thankful for every individual who makes up the Bethesda community - your involvement matters, whether or not you’re a member.
-
Becoming a member at Bethesda is a simple, intentional process. Here are the steps:
Attend a Discover Bethesda class to learn about who we are, what we believe, and how we operate.
Read the membership requirements to understand what’s expected and how to grow as part of our church family. You can find these documents above.
Submit your membership application - you can find it above.
Following these steps ensures that you’re fully informed and ready to take your place in our community.
-
Yes! If you have held membership within a PAOC (Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada) or PAONL (Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland and Labrador) church, we can accept a membership transfer. To get started, reach out to the church where you currently hold membership and ask them to send a transfer letter to info@bethesda.ca. Someone from our church office will then be in touch with the next steps.
If your membership is with a church outside of these denominations, please follow the standard steps of our membership process outlined above.