BEING PART OF THE CHURCH
Belong. Grow. Serve.
Church membership is a commitment to follow Christ together: knowing people, receiving care, and contributing to the life of a local fellowship.
Prayer
Share your needs and pray for others.
Giving
Give gladly from your time, resources, and gifts.
Commitment
Gather with the church and walk with believers in faith.
Service
Use your gifts to build others up.
What does church membership mean?
Salvation is God’s gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Membership does not earn salvation; it expresses our belonging to Christ and our commitment to a local fellowship in daily life. In Christ we belong to one body, where every member has a place and a responsibility (Ephesians 2:8–10; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
Being part of the Evangelical Church of Vlora means growing through God’s Word, joining in worship and prayer, receiving pastoral care, and serving others. Our calling is to know Christ and make Him known.
A commitment rooted in Scripture
The first believers who received the Gospel were baptised and added to the fellowship. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:41–42). A local church is where faith takes shape in relationships: we learn, care, receive loving correction, and carry one another’s burdens.
God’s Word encourages us to keep gathering and to spur one another on towards love and good works (Hebrews 10:24–25). Baptism and the Lord’s Supper belong to the church’s life and witness to Christ (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
What does this look like in daily life?
Gathering and learning
Make worship, Bible teaching, and fellowship a priority. When work, health, or circumstances prevent attendance, seek ways to stay connected.
For example: If someone is absent because of illness, get in touch, pray, and ask how you can help.
Prayer and bearing burdens
Share joys and difficulties, listen carefully, and offer practical help (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2).
For example: When a family faces a difficult season, one person can bring a meal, another help with a practical need, and others pray.
Serving with our gifts
Each believer can contribute according to their gifts, maturity, and opportunities (1 Peter 4:10–11).
For example: Someone welcomes visitors, another helps with music or technology, and another encourages a new believer personally.
Giving gladly
Our time, talents, and finances can serve the fellowship and its mission. Giving is willing and according to our means, rather than under pressure (2 Corinthians 9:7).
For example: Even with limited finances, you can offer time, a skill, or help for someone in need.
Unity and forgiveness
Speak truth in love, avoid gossip, and seek reconciliation. Ask for pastoral help when needed (Ephesians 4:1–3, 15, 32).
For example: When a misunderstanding arises, speak humbly with the person instead of spreading the concern to others.
Witnessing to Christ
Share the Gospel in words and show Christ’s love through actions at home, at work, and in the community (Matthew 28:18–20).
For example: Listen to a friend’s questions about God, share your faith respectfully, and invite them to get to know the fellowship.
Mutual care and responsibility
Elders towards the fellowship
Elders are called to teach Scripture faithfully, pray, care for people, and set an example in life. Leadership is humble service under Christ’s authority, accountable to God (1 Peter 5:2–3; Titus 1:9).
Believers towards one another
We are called to love, welcome, encourage, forgive, and counsel one another. Care is more than a pastor’s task; every member contributes to building up Christ’s body (John 13:34; Ephesians 4:16).
Believers towards the elders
Pray for leaders, value their work, and receive their biblical teaching and care. Follow their example of faith as they walk with Christ, and address concerns truthfully and respectfully (Hebrews 13:7, 17–18).
Biblical counsel and correction seek repentance, restoration, and the good of the fellowship. They should be offered with gentleness and humility, even when difficult conversations are needed (Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15–17).
Questions you may have
Do I need to be perfect?
No. The church is a fellowship of believers who depend on Christ’s grace and grow together. Commitment includes a willingness to learn, repent, and ask for help.
What if I am still looking for answers?
You are welcome to come, listen, and ask questions. Visiting and committing as a member are different steps; you can discuss them with the elders without pressure.
What if I want to be baptised or become more involved?
Speak with the elders about your faith, baptism, and ways to grow and serve. If you come from another church or are moving elsewhere, talk openly with the leaders about a responsible transition.
The first step is a conversation.
Tell us where you are on your journey of faith. Let’s talk about belonging, care, and a place where you can serve.