Membership

We are happy that you have an interest in becoming a member of Faith Church

We believe that church membership is very meaningful and important.  Since membership in the church gives the individual the high privilege of electing its pastor and officials and setting major church policies, it is imperative that members be in agreement with, believe, and adhere to the church doctrines and practices set forth as follows.

We Believe

• In the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures
• In the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• In the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Virgin birth
• In the forgiveness of sin through the cross of Christ
• In the healing of body, mind, and soul
• In salvation by grace through faith
• In the indwelling guidance and infilling of the Holy Spirit
• In the return of Jesus Christ

Salvation

Each candidate for membership shall be expected to give evidence of having been “born again” of the Spirit of God. The inward evidence is the witness of the Holy Spirit. The outward evidence to all people is a life of holiness.

A Brief History

Faith Church had its beginnings as a Home Missions Project under the leadership of Louise (Riviello) LaMonica and Priscilla (Hobbs) Hontz in 1947. The initial services were held in Union Hall, on Wyoming Street, and then moved to a vacant store on Broad Street in West Hazleton.

Rev. William A. Caldwell became pastor in September of 1948. In 1950, church members began construction of the first permanent church home, located at the corner of 14th and Locust Streets.

In October of 1979 a local businessman donated property for a new church building to be erected in West Hazleton. On November 22, 1981 we held our first service in this building.

On April 1, 1994 a fire destroyed this facility. Groundbreaking to rebuild was held on August 21, 1994 and on November 26, 1995 our present building was dedicated to the Glory of God. Our theme during the interim was “In Christ Alone.”

Pastor Rodney and Stephanie Murphy assumed the pastorate on June 1, 2007.

My Membership Covenant

1: I will protect the unity of my church

Romans 14:19 so then let us pursue the things which made for peace and the building up of one another. (NAS)

by acting in love toward other members

I Peter 1:22 Have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.

by refusing to gossip

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

by following the leaders

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

by respecting the diversity of the body of Christ

I Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

2: I will share the responsibility of my church

by praying for its spiritual and numerical growth

Ephesians 1:15-16 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

by inviting the unchurched to attend

Luke 14:23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. (RSV)

by warmly welcoming those who visit

Romans 15:7 Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (RSV)

3: I will serve the ministry of my church

by discovering my gifts and talents.

I Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

by being equipped to serve.

Ephesians 4:11-12 It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

by developing a servant’s heart

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others.

4: I will support the testimony of my church

by attending faithfully

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

by giving regularly

Leviticus 27:30 A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s and is holy (LB)

2 Corinthians 9:7 each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

by living a Christ-centered life

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

A Final Word

After you have given prayerful attention to the matter, please complete the application. You will also need to attend the Pastor’s membership class. The Board of Deacons will review your application. You will be notified of their decision and upon approval will be received into membership.

If you find you are not in full agreement with our standards of membership and wish not to apply at this time, be assured that this does not affect your welcome in our church in any way.

It is with sincere interest in your spiritual welfare that we present this message. Thank you for your fellowship and concern for our church.

Sincerely in Christ

The Senior Pastor &
Board of Deacons

Fill out a membership application: