“Everybody is somebody at East Garland Church”
Members Matter
Why Membership?
Church membership is more than a formality; it’s a commitment to a family united by faith, love, and service. Here are a few reasons why becoming a member of our church on-line or in person is a significant step in your spiritual journey:
Spiritual Growth: Membership provides a structured pathway for spiritual growth through participation in worship, Bible study, prayer groups, and other faith-building activities.
Community Connection: Joining the church family offers opportunities to connect with like-minded believers, forming meaningful relationships that provide support, encouragement, and accountability.
Service and Ministry: As a member, you have the privilege of serving others and utilizing your gifts and talents to contribute to the church’s ministries and outreach efforts, making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
Care and Support: Membership ensures that you have access to pastoral care, counseling, and support during both times of celebration and moments of challenge or crisis.
Stewardship and Responsibility: Being a member involves stewardship of time, talents, and resources, as well as a commitment to the financial support of the church’s mission and ministry.
Decision-making and Leadership: Members have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes and leadership roles within the church, shaping its direction and vision for the future.
At East Garland, we believe that church membership is a sacred covenant—a commitment to walk alongside fellow believers in faith, love, and service. We invite you to explore the possibility of membership and discover the rich blessings and opportunities it offers for your spiritual journey.
If you’re interested in becoming a member or learning more about membership at East Garland Church, please reach out to info@eastgarland.org ” We look forward to welcoming you!”
Our Beliefs
1. The Bible as the Word of God
- We believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, serving as the final authority for faith, doctrine, and conduct. They hold that the Scriptures are divinely inspired and without error.
2. The Trinity
- We teach the belief in one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This is the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity.
3. Salvation Through Jesus Christ
- Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We believe in the necessity of being born again by repenting of sins, placing faith in Christ, and receiving forgiveness.
- We believe in the atoning death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of salvation for all people.
4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
- We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is an experience separate from salvation. They believe this is evidenced by speaking in tongues, as was the case in the early Christian church (Acts 2:4).
- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is seen as an empowerment for believers to live holy lives and to carry out the mission of the church through spiritual gifts.
5. Sanctification and Holiness
- We believe that sanctification is a process that begins at salvation, in which believers are set apart for God’s purposes. The church strongly emphasizes the doctrine of holiness, which involves living a life of moral purity, avoiding sin, and demonstrating Christian virtues.
- Holiness is considered the standard of living for all believers and is central to our identity.
6. The Sacraments
- We practice the two main Christian sacraments:
- Water Baptism: We believe in baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, following conversion.
- Holy Communion: Also known as the Lord’s Supper, it is observed regularly to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
7. Divine Healing
- We believe in the power of God to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual afflictions. Divine healing is seen as part of the atoning work of Christ and available to believers through prayer and faith.
8. The Second Coming of Christ
- We believe that Jesus Christ will return in the future to gather His church, judge the living and the dead, and establish His eternal kingdom. This is often referred to as the Second Coming or eschatology.
- We believe in the literal resurrection of the dead and eternal life for believers in heaven, while those who reject salvation will face eternal punishment.
9. Evangelism and Missions
- Evangelism is a significant aspect of our mission. We believe in sharing the gospel with all people and carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
- We also place a strong emphasis on missions, both domestically and globally, supporting outreach efforts and charitable initiatives.
10. Church Governance and Ministry
- The church follows an Episcopal form of governance, with a structure that includes bishops, pastors, and elders who oversee congregations and ministries.
- The church encourages the use of spiritual gifts, such as preaching, teaching, healing, and prophecy, for the edification of the body of Christ.
11. Marriage and Family
- We hold to traditional Christian views on marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman. The family is considered the foundational unit of society, and We promote strong, healthy family values based on biblical principles.
Emembership
Being a member of a church means becoming part of a spiritual family committed to worship, growth, and service. Church membership involves a shared commitment to living out the teachings of Christ, participating in worship services, and supporting the church’s mission. Members contribute to the church community through their time, talents, and resources, fostering fellowship, spiritual growth, and accountability. It also means being a part of a loving, supportive community that provides care, guidance, and encouragement during life’s ups and downs. Ultimately, church membership deepens one’s relationship with God and strengthens the bonds of faith with fellow believers.