Membership at Praise Tabernacle

Praise Tabernacle church family gathered together in Egg Harbor Township NJ

Church Membership at Praise Tabernacle

Membership at Praise Tabernacle is rooted in active participation, commitment to the church body and leadership, and alignment with biblical teachings. Members are expected to engage in corporate worship services and home fellowship groups (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:46; 5:42). Additionally, membership requires adherence to the church Constitution and a demonstrated love for and service within the community.
Praise Tabernacle church family gathered together in Egg Harbor Township NJ

Who Can Become a Member? 

  • Profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and live in accordance with the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.
  • Uphold a biblical lifestyle as outlined in Scripture.

Biblical Expectations for Members

Marriage and Family
Members affirm marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman as ordained by God (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31-33). They must uphold biblical principles of marriage, family, and sexual purity (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 18-20; Hebrews 13:4).

Christian Conduct
Members are called to live a life of holiness, integrity, and moral purity (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:1-3). This includes abstaining from sinful behaviors such as habitual sin, substance abuse, and divisiveness (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Colossians 3:5-10).

Doctrinal Alignment
Members must affirm and adhere to the core doctrines of the Christian faith as upheld by the leadership of Praise Tabernacle (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Jude 3).

Commitment to the Church
Members support the vision and mission of Praise Tabernacle through faithful attendance, financial stewardship through tithes and offerings, and service in ministry (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10).

Submission to Church Leadership
Members respect and acknowledge the biblical authority of church leadership and agree to be accountable to the church’s spiritual oversight (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

When concerns arise, church leadership will prayerfully seek to address them in a spirit of grace, accountability, restoration, and spiritual growth.
Praise Tabernacle members studying Scripture together in a Bible study setting

Membership Process

Membership classes are held quarterly after the second service and typically last between 90 minutes and 2 hours, with lunch provided. After completing the class and signing the necessary forms, new members are officially
welcomed into the church family. To help new members get settled and connected, we ask that they wait three months before serving in a volunteer role.

What It Means to Be a Member

Praise Tabernacle members connecting in fellowship and community
The difference between attenders and members can be summed up in one word: commitment.
At Praise Tabernacle, we recognize the importance of formal membership and ask for commitment for four key reasons.

A Biblical Reason: Christ Is Committed to the Church
"Christ loved the church and gave his life for it." - Ephesians 5:25

A Cultural Reason: It Is an Antidote to Consumer Religion
In a society where many resist commitment to jobs, marriages, and even their country, church membership stands as a countercultural act of dedication. It moves us beyond "church shopping" and fosters an unselfish decision that builds character.

A Practical Reason: It Defines Who Can Be Counted On
Every organization requires commitment. Teams have rosters, schools have enrollments, businesses have payrolls, and nations require voter registration. Membership identifies who is truly part of the church family.

A Personal Reason: It Produces Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth flourishes in accountability and commitment to a local church body. Without commitment, it is difficult to experience deep discipleship and spiritual maturity.

The Four Praise Covenants 

At Praise Tabernacle, we encourage personal spiritual commitments in four fundamental areas.

The Membership Covenant: A Commitment to Christ and the Church Family

“You are members of God’s very own family. And you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)

“We are all parts of Christ’s Body, and it takes every one of us to complete it. We belong to each other and need all the others.” Romans 12:4-5 (LB)

The Maturity Covenant: A Commitment to Spiritual Growth

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“Take the time to keep yourself spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (Ph)

The Ministry Covenant: A Commitment to Serving God and Others

“God has given you unique abilities; be sure to use them to help each other.” 1 Peter 4:10 (UB)

“There are different kinds of service to God. Together, you form the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a necessary part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:5, 27 (LB)

The Missions Covenant: A Commitment to Sharing the Gospel

“You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (GN)

“Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for your hope. But do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

The Four Praise Covenants illustrated as a tree rooted in Christ with membership maturity ministry and missions
Infographic titled “How Our Church Is Structured” showing four biblical pictures of the church: fellowship, family, body, and flock. Each section includes a matching icon and brief points about unity, relationships, spiritual gifts, ministry, and shepherding leadership, with a black, white, and orange design.

Learn More About How Praise Is Structured 

Praise Tabernacle is structured around biblical values such as fellowship, family, unity, spiritual gifts, and servant leadership. This helps explain why we function the way we do as a church family.

To learn more about how our church is organized and how we approach leadership, decision-making, unity, and ministry, visit the page below.
How Our Church Is Structured