There are three ways to become a member:
1. New Converts Baptized at the Chapel, or by one of the leaders at the Chapel
- New converts will be invited to attend Baptismal classes.
- At the end of these classes, each person will be interviewed for baptism.
- At the interview, the person’s understanding of baptism will be confirmed.
- The person will also be asked if he/she wishes to become a member of MHC.
- Persons who wish to become members will be publicly received into the Fellowship of the Church on the first Sunday following their baptism, or as early as possible thereafter.
2. Transfer of Membership from another Church by Letter.
If the person is already a member of another Church which is affiliated to the Christian Brethren group of Assemblies, a Letter of Commendation from his/her previous Church (whether local or overseas) is used to facilitate the transfer of membership.
If the previous Church is not so affiliated, then a letter requesting a transfer from that Church, either in Jamaica or abroad, should be given to one of the Elders at MHC.
The person will then be interviewed by two or three Elders to learn about their previous decision for Christ and their experience as a practicing Christian.
Following a satisfactory interview, he/she will be publicly accepted into Membership and may be encouraged to join a Membership or Baptismal class, whichever is appropriate.
3. Making a Direct Request through one of the Elders.
A request to become a member can be made directly through one of the Elders.
- The person making the request should be interviewed and may be invited to join a Membership or Baptismal class before the final invitation to become a member.
- Near the end of the Membership or Baptismal class, the Church will be informed publicly on 3 consecutive Sundays of the person’s desire to become a member.
- The Members will be asked to communicate with the Elders on a confidential basis if there are any known reasons why the applicant should not be accepted as a member of the fellowship. Such communication must not be frivolous or in the spirit of gossip, but must normally be substantiated by two or three witnesses. In any case in which an objection is raised, the applicant will be informed and will be given the opportunity at an agreed time to refute the allegation in the presence of at least two witnesses. In all cases, the Elders will entreat individuals to avoid contentious behaviour.
Provided that there are no serious stated objections from the current Members, the applicant will be publicly received into Membership.
Invitation to a Cell Group/Home Bible Study
- All Members will be assigned to a Cell Group/Home Bible Study group to assist with their spiritual care and to promote mentorship and support.
- The members of the Cell Group/Home Bible Study group strive to maintain contact with each other and to demonstrate practical care for one another.