If you have wondered why church membership is important, Pastor Tim Bertolet of Pocono Mountain Bible Fellowship Church has some good questions and answers about membership:

One discussion that often comes up is: do I need to regularly attend a local church? Another subset of this question is: do I need to become a church member?

Often times we are told there was no portrait of church membership in Scripture. I will admit some churches today may practice membership as a form of self righteousness justifying their own self worth as a church by how many numbers they can pad into their roles. Yet I would maintain church membership is important and 100% faithful with Biblical practices--when it is not abused. Membership is basically mutually acknowledged commitment in a local body and agreement with the local elders/under-shepherds that you are under them and that they will watch over your soul according to the Biblical proscription.

Read more.

Yesterday marked the start of the Vine church membership class.  If you missed out on the first session, it is not too late to join in for the remaining two:

• April 22nd - 3-5pm - The Hobert Home (5812 Monticello Way Fitchburg)
• April 29th - 3-5pm - The Sterner Home  (4609 Bautista Drive, McFarland)

Contact Pastor Scott () if you would like to learn more about taking the class.

Next month, the pastors of the Vine will be hosting a series of three membership classes where you can learn what we believe as a church and consider whether you want to join as an official member.

If you are wondering what church membership is and whether it is important for you to join a church in membership, John Piper, pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, has a brief video answering those types of questions:

The three classes are:

• April 15th - 3-5pm - The Nielsen Home (10 Merlham Drive, Madison)
• April 22nd - 3-5pm - The Hobert Home (5812 Monticello Way Fitchburg)
• April 29th - 3-5pm - The Sterner Home  (4609 Bautista Drive, McFarland)

After completing the membership classes, you will have the opportunity to meet with a pastor for a membership interview to finalize the process.  

Membership in a local church is not just a responsibility, but a privilege for every believer. On October 2, 9 and 16 we will have 3 classes for those ready to affirm their membership at The Vine. These classes will go from 3-5 pm. The location is yet to be decided and will be determined based on the number of those attending. The content of these classes will inform you on the convictions of The Vine Church and how it is that you can participate in our mission to reach Madison and the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

If you are ready sign-up or if you have more questions, please email any of the pastors or drop a note to .