Welcome to

Growth Track

Growth Track is designed to help you take the next step in becoming a member of Ironbridge Church. Through these three videos, you'll gain a biblical understanding of church membership, learn what we believe and why it matters, and explore our discipleship pathway.


Watch the videos below to continue your journey toward membership!

Watch the Growth Track Videos

Membership at Ironbridge is more than just attending—it’s about belonging, growing, and living out God’s mission together. These videos will walk you through what it means to be part of the church, what we believe, and how you can take your next step in faith and purpose.

View Media
Belonging to the Church: More Than Membership
Michael Rodriguez • 2/1/2023
View Media
Rooted in Mission: What We Believe and Why It Matters
Michael Rodriguez • 2/2/2023
View Media
Your Next Step: A Pathway to Growth and Purpose
Michael Rodriguez • 2/3/2023

Why Membership Matters

Church membership isn’t just a tradition—it’s a biblical calling. Throughout Scripture, we see that believers are meant to be connected to a local church where they can grow, serve, and be cared for. The Bible assumes membership through its teachings on spiritual leadership, community, accountability, and the many “one another” commands.


From being part of the body of Christ to functioning as a spiritual family, the metaphors used in Scripture highlight the significance of belonging to a church. Membership isn’t just about where you attend—it’s about being actively engaged in God’s mission through His church.

Back to Membership
  • Church Leadership Structure

    Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers to “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” This verse highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability within the local church.


    Without membership, it becomes unclear whom church leaders are responsible for shepherding and to which leaders believers should submit. Membership helps define these relationships, ensuring that elders are accountable for the care of specific members, and that believers are committed to the spiritual leadership within their local church.

  • The One Another Commands of the Church

    The New Testament is filled with “one another” commands—clear instructions on how believers are to love, serve, and build up one another in faith. These commands, such as stirring one another up to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25), bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), assume deep, committed relationships within a local church.


    Without church membership, who are we called to consistently meet with, serve, and encourage? Membership provides clarity and commitment, ensuring that we live out these biblical commands in a meaningful way within a community of believers.

  • The Care of the Church

    The Bible calls the church to care for its members in a deep and intentional way. In 1 Timothy 5:9-10, Paul gives instructions about providing for widows, assuming a defined community of believers under the church’s care. Similarly, Acts 20:28 charges church elders to “pay careful attention... to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God.”


    Without membership, who is included in this care, and who are leaders accountable for shepherding? Membership places you under the spiritual care and protection of godly leaders, ensuring that the church fulfills its biblical calling to provide guidance, encouragement, and support for its people.

  • The Correction of the Church

    Biblical church discipline is a means of restoring believers and protecting the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, Paul addresses unrepentant sin within a local gathering, instructing the church to remove the offender. Likewise, Matthew 18:15-17 lays out a process for addressing sin among believers, ultimately involving “the church” if repentance does not occur.


    Without membership, who is included in this process, and who has the authority to guide someone toward repentance? Membership defines who the church is and provides a clear, loving, and biblical path for accountability, correction, and restoration when a believer is caught in habitual sin.

  • The Metaphors of the Church

    Throughout the Scriptures, we see the Church referenced as the family of God, the body of Christ, and the flock of God. (Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Peter 5:2)


    To not join a church is to, in effect, say:


    • I don’t want to be a part of His family (e.g., orphaned)
    • I don’t want to be a part of His body (e.g., dismembered)
    • I don’t want to be a part of His flock (e.g., isolated)
    • I don’t want to be a part of His kingdom (e.g., exiled)