Our congregation is part of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (“Foursquare”). As such, we must adhere to the Foursquare Bylaws (“Bylaws”) which describe the essentials of what it means to be a Member of a local Foursquare church.  

Privileges of Membership (Bylaws 13.5.E)

A Member of Theophlius may:

1. Vote on local church matters (such as the election of church council members). Serve as a voting delegate to Foursquare’s district and international conventions. Voting members must also be at least 18 years old.
2. Be elected as a member of the church council.
3. Attend Foursquare district meetings open to members.
4. Attend Foursquare’s international convention.

You do not need to be a member of Theophilus to participate in worship or to serve in any volunteer or leadership capacity (except church council, as noted above). Nor does participating in worship, service, or leadership at Theophilus automatically make you a Member of Theophilus, with the exception of the senior pastor.

Requirements of Membership at Theophilus Church (Bylaws 13.5.A)

To be eligible for Membership, one must:

1. Affirm that they believe in and follow the teachings of Christianity as expressed in the Apostles’ Creed (see below). For more explanation on how we understand the Creed to guide our faith as a community, we suggest you listen to our sermon series on the Apostles’ Creed from 2019, available on our website (https://theophiluschurch.com/sermons/topic/creed/).
2. Have been baptized by water.
3. Adhere to the “Declaration of Faith” written by Foursquare’s founding pastor, Aimee Semple McPherson (available at https://resources.foursquare.org/download/this-we-believe/).
4. Agree to live by the bylaws of the Foursquare Church that pertain to membership (found in Article 13.5 of the current approved bylaws and available at https://foursquare-leader.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/about_us/business/Bylaws_English.pdf).

Responsibilities of Membership (Bylaws 13.5.C.1; 13.5.D)

Being a Member of Theophilus Church means taking on the shared responsibilities of making our community happen. Members are expected to:

1. Live a life in pursuit of Christ and his teachings.
2. Participate in and contribute to the common life of the Theophilus Church community.

Becoming a Member (Bylaws 13.5.B)

If one meets the above eligibility criteria and agrees to take on the responsibilities outlined above, then they can become a member of Theophilus Church by filling out our Membership Application. Once received, this application will be processed by the pastoral staff. Members will be officially recognized and welcomed during a service designated by the lead pastor. 

Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty

Creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the Virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to hell.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended to heaven,

Where he is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And life everlasting. Amen.