Membership & Discipleship

We believe that getting equipped and trained (i.e. to be discipled) is critical to becoming a more mature follower of Jesus Christ. At New Community Church, 
the discipleship process starts with first committing to a local congregation through church membership and then continuing through a disciple-the-disciples model.

Who is invited to membership at New Community Church?

  • Anyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
  • Anyone looking for a church community (no matter how long they plan to live in Chicago) who wants to fulfill the Great Commission.
  • Anyone wanting to become a mature disciple of Jesus Christ.

Discipleship Beliefs and Process

Discipleship 100—
Commitment through Membership

When Jesus called people to become His disciples, the first thing He asked for was their commitment (Matthew 4:18–22). As we follow in Jesus’s footsteps, our first step in following Christ is to commit. And when today’s disciples commit to a local church, we believe that they will grow in their faith through discipleship and accountability, and, ultimately, take part in carrying out the Great Commission by making more disciples. 

Discipleship 200 Class—
Understanding Humility & Service 

Through D200, committed members of New Community discover how to use their gifts, talents, and resources for God by gaining a deeper understanding of their limitations and growing in humility. By learning more about Christ’s lordship over every area of their lives, they recognize their need to depend fully on Jesus Christ. 

Discipleship 300 Large & Small Groups—
Understanding Who We Are & 
What God Has Called Us to Be 

D300 provides more intentional counseling and mentorship as committed members discover who are they are before God and how they’ve been uniquely designed to serve. At this stage of discipleship, members examine and challenge the worldviews and presuppositions that have shaped them, beginning to uncover the underlying reasons they may struggle to follow God faithfully. 

Discipleship 400 Class—
Leading Through Empowerment & Replication 

After D300, committed members should now be better equipped on how to discern, understand, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit despite their imperfections. Through D400, they are empowered to lead others and make more disciples. As they effectively advance God’s kingdom, disciples grow in cherishing God’s will while gaining a deeper understanding of the mandate of their calling.
*D300 is a prerequisite for this class. 

Discipleship 500 Class—
Evangelism 

In this class, members learn how to take the gospel message beyond the walls of the local church through evangelism and missions. Together, we will study the 7 evangelistic messages in the book of Acts as our models. 

Discipleship 600 Class—
Preaching 

Learn how a sermon is crafted and preached at New Community Church. Although this class is designed primarily for vocational staff, any committed member interested in learning the practice of preaching is welcome to join. This class covers how to study the Bible in a way that transforms not only the congregation, but you personally.