We are frequently asked the questions, “How do you become a member of Riverwood?” or “Does Riverwood have a church membership?” Such questions, most probably, are a result of our conviction that membership is a private matter between the individual and the Holy Spirit. Consequently, we do not regularly exhort you from the pulpit to join the church.

Though our conviction causes us to say little publicly, it does not mean that we are not interested in you or that membership in a local church is not important. We are interested and membership is important. The importance comes from the fact that membership constitutes a necessary commitment of an individual to the body and its ordained leadership. It also insures a mutual commitment of the body and its spiritual oversight to an individual member. Thus, it is a vital relationship in the process of spiritual growth.

With this in mind, we would like to take this opportunity, and others occasionally, to inform you of the procedure involved in becoming a member of the body here at Riverwood. If you are a believer, have been attending the church for a reasonable time, are sufficiently acquainted with its ministry, and sense the leading of the Holy Spirit to join us, contact an elder regarding your decision.

You will be given a packet of information regarding the ministry, which includes a constitution with by-laws and a doctrinal statement. After you have had time to examine the material, you will be scheduled to meet with at least two elders for an interview regarding your faith in Christ and your position relative to the doctrinal statement. Upon satisfactory completion of the interview, you will be approved for membership at the next elders meeting and presented to the body at a meeting of the church soon thereafter.

If you are not yet part of the membership of Riverwood, we urge you to prayerfully consider this matter and contact an elder as the opportunity arises.

Board of Elders

Riverwood Bible Church