Membership FAQ
BCC MEMBERSHIP – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Q1: Is church membership important?
Church membership is an integral part of our Christian lives and should therefore not be taken lightly. It is a privilege and a commitment to be part of a community of local believers. And within such a local community, we share beliefs, values and vision, worship and disciple together, love and care for one another, and exercise our spiritual gifts to serve and evangelize. BCC is committed to care for all members and worshippers and to help them grow spiritually within the body life of the church. All members are also entrusted with the responsibility to participate in managing God’s resources within BCC to glorify Him.
There are also other benefits of being a member, e.g. preferential rates for courses, workshops, and rental of church premises for wedding, and church assistance in the conduct of funeral services.
Q2: How do I become a member of BCC?
Worshippers who are baptized in BCC, and baptized worshippers who are seeking to transfer their membership from another church to BCC, may become Associate Members. For either group, the worshippers will have to attend baptism and/or membership classes and subscribe to BCC Articles of Faith and Practices before they can become Associate Members. After 3 years as Associate Members, they will be eligible to become Full Members if they meet the qualifications (Singapore citizen or PR, and above 18 years old) which are documented in BCC’s Constitution and Bye-laws.
Q3. What are the differences between Associate and Full membership?
Both Associate and Full Members can attend the AGM but only Full Members can vote at the AGM or by proxy. Only Full Members may take up a leadership role in any of the church committees/ministries and may be nominated for election as an Elder of the church.
Q4: How do I become a Full Member?
An Associate Member who is eligible to become a Full Member will be invited to complete a Core Values Questionnaire and meet with a Pastor and/or Elder for a confirmation interview. Thereafter, Full membership will be granted if the church leadership sees no areas of concern.
Q5: What happens if I choose not to become a Full Member?
If an Associate Member does not respond to the invitation, the church leaders will assume that he/she does not wish to be a Full Member and part of the BCC community. If no valid reasons are provided, his/her Associate membership will be suspended after 3 months. After 2 years of suspension, his/her membership may be terminated, i.e., he/she will be welcomed as a worshipper with no formal relationship or association with BCC.
Q6: Why is it important to regularly attend Annual General Meetings (AGMs)?
Both Associate and Full Members may attend the BCC AGM but only Full Members are allowed to vote at the AGM. Members, together with church leaders, have a responsibility for the good governance of BCC and the use of its resources for God’s work. The AGM is one important event for members to be updated on church plans, and for them to exercise their responsibilities and rights by electing godly Elders, examining the church’s budget and expenses, and asking questions and making suggestions. It is especially critical during times when the church has to make difficult decisions - typically on a major shift in direction or spending. As such, a member will have his/her Full membership suspended if he/she does not exercise this responsibility by failing to attend the AGM(or attend by proxy) for 3 consecutive years without any apology/reason.
Q7. Can I lose my Associate or Full membership, and what does it mean?
BCC Constitution and Bye-laws spell out the conditions and processes in which a member may lose his/her membership. These are the main conditions:
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When a member chooses to transfer his/her membership to another church.
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When a member does not affirm his/her membership when required to do so (e.g., does not respond to the invitation to be a Full Member, or regularly attends worship at another church).
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When a member does not subscribe to the BCC Articles of Faith and Practices.
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When a Full Member fails to attend the AGM(or attend by proxy) for 3 consecutive years without any apology/reason for his/her absence.
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Any cause deemed sufficient for termination of membership by the Elders’ Board in accordance with scriptural principles.
When a membership is suspended, the Associate/Full Member will be notified based on his/her last known contact information provided to BCC. If there is no request and justification to restore the membership status with 3 months, he/she will be moved from the Register of Members to a Subsidiary Register. After 2 years of suspension, his/her membership may be terminated, ie., he/she will be welcomed as a worshipper with no formal relationship or association with BCC.
Q8. Where can I find the BCC Constitution and Bye-laws?
Only Associate and Full Members may have access to the Constitution and Bye-laws. A hard copy is available in the church office for reading.
Do email us at info@bartley.org.sg if you have any queries.
