Our church membership is about more than simply attending weekly worship services with us. It is about committing to be part of a Bible-believing, Christ-centered, Christian-family with all the benefits and responsibilities of healthy family- encouragement, Christian life support, and like-minded fellowship in love, sacrifice, and service. It is a great calling to live and grow in a community of believers. We hope that you will consider officially joining our family.
Many adults and their family members have or are currently attending activities provided by Loch Raven Presbyterian Church (LRPC) members, but may have not entered into an official communicant-membership status. We do encourage all non-members (visitors and regular attenders) to fellowship with us, and we especially desire them to consider becoming communicant-members (official church members). This page is meant to clarify the term communicant member and show the how-to process for those that desire to formally join LRPC. See also Attenders and Activities pages.
Why should I officially join a church?
The New Testament presents a picture of definable groups of believers who identified themselves with a particular local body. Church membership enables us to implement the principles of accountability, encouragement, and commitment to the local body of Christ, as defined in the New Testament and practiced in the early church. Communicant Members are welcome to participate in Communion (LORD’s Supper), be a voting member at congregational meetings, and serve in a leadership or teaching position.
Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Acts 2:44, 46; Acts 11:26
Joining a local church is an expression of:
- your commitment to Christ,
- your commitment to His Church,
- your commitment to the spread of the Gospel,
- the church’s commitment to you.
At Loch Raven a faithful member accepts Christ’s call to be involved in participating in and helping to lead ministries of the church.
Why should I join LRPC?
LRPC is a Reformed1 Presbyterian2 Protestant3 Christian church. We are a Bible Believing, and a Confessional4 Church.
- Reformed – one of several major representative groups of classical Protestantism that arose in the 16th-century Reformation.
- Presbyterian – A Protestant denomination based on the doctrines of John Calvin and governed by elders (presbyteros is the Greek word for “elder”). The Presbyterian Church was founded in Scotland, where it is the established church (see also established church), supported by the government.
- Protestant – Western Christian who is not an adherent of the Catholic Church or Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Confessional – Denomination’s doctrinal standards like the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) and the Larger (WLC) and Shorter Catechisms (WSC), Apostles Creed, and Catechisms. See on Our PCA page REFORMED PROTESTANT, CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS
How do I become a LRPC communicant-member?
Adults may enter into an official communicate-member membership status with LRPC and the PCA by way of a Profession of faith, Reaffirmation of faith, or Certificate of transfer from another church. Contact your Shepherding Elder to review information on the password protected New Members Guide page. Additional membership details will be further explained in the Inquirer’s Class, and are found in the PCA Book of Church Order (BCO).
Memorials
We Remember page of the names and faces of those that we once shared worship, service, and fellowship with, who have gone before to be with the Lord. This page also contains a list of Our Veterans to be Remembered
Our Activities | Our Attenders | Our History | Our Leadership | Our Members | Our Servants