A process which usually starts in small groups
We invite everyone who affirms the Assembly covenant and practices to publicly and formally join Assembly.
Those who choose to be members are invited to re-affirm their membership annually on Pentecost during
our Recovenanting ritual.
Why become a member?
- To become a member (or covenant with the congregation, as we often call it) is to say that I am no
longer a visitor or occasional participant here; it is a public statement that my faith journey is
happening in this place, with these people; - Covenanting publicly to a group is a tangible step of being known – an important element of a
healthy community. Also, when one publicly joins a congregation and affirms its vision, it is a joyful
and encouraging event for the entire community; - Anabaptists have traditionally believed that committing to a faith community isn’t a privatized
decision. In this age of individualism and shallow connections, we see covenanting as a way to live
counter-culturally by taking seriously and being intentional about our commitments.
What is the practical meaning of membership at Assembly?
The meaning of membership is largely symbolic and intangible (there are no tax benefits or
discounts at the Brew). Most of Assembly’s communal life is open to all who find their involvement
meaningful, however there are a few areas of congregational life reserved for members. These
include making decisions at congregational meetings, and serving on elders and the leader selection
committee.
Why do we recovenant?
Recovenanting is an annual opportunity to renew and celebrate our membership in the
congregation. Most of us find that our commitment does not change significantly year to year,
however we don’t simply assume that is always the case. Recovenanting is a time to review our
participation in and connection to the Assembly community.
How to become an Assembly Member
Joining Assembly generally involves the following steps:
- Join a small group, and become known to your group members. Small groups are a primary component
of how we do church at Assembly. A small group is a place to connect more deeply with others, learn
about Assembly, and be a part of its life and practices. - Meet with one of the pastors (of your choosing) for a get-to-know-each-other conversation; to ask
questions about Assembly, and to share some of the important aspects of your life and faith journey. - Find a suitable date to publicly covenant with the congregation by checking with your small group and
the worship committee. Your small group should announce this in the AssemblyLine at least two weeks
ahead of time so that the congregation can anticipate this joyful event (e.g. “Group X is happy to
announce that [name] will be covenanting with the congregation on [date]”). - The Covenanting ceremony usually includes the following:
- an introduction by a member of your small group;
- you briefly sharing (around 250 words) a part of your faith journey, and what brings you to this commitment [if this feels overly daunting, talk to a pastor about alternatives];
- an affirmation that you have been received as a member of the congregation;
- a congregational reading of the Assembly covenant; and
- prayer.
- Request a letter of membership transfer from your previous congregation (if applicable).