el CORE OUTCOME:
COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL CHURCH
Commitment to the Church
One of our core outcomes in the Emerging Leaders program is a deep commitment to the local church. We believe that disciples of Jesus are not only made in the church but are also called to serve and grow in it (1 Cor. 12; Rom. 12).
As part of this program, you are expected to join and actively serve in a local church during your time in EL. Your first and most important place of service is your church. That’s why we require all ELs to serve at least one hour per week (typically on Sunday mornings) at their church, as part of the 4–8 monthly service hour requirement. This priority reflects our conviction that your growth, witness, and disciple-making are deeply rooted in the local body of Christ.
SUMMER READING 📚
To frame your commitment to the church, you'll be reading Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman this summer. This short book will help you see why being deeply rooted in a local body is both biblical and essential for your spiritual formation (Heb. 10:24–25).
CHURCH TOUR ⛪️
We’ll be visiting a handful of local churches from Sunday, August 10, through Sunday, September 21. These are just a few of the many gospel-centered churches we love and partner with.
TBD East Side Community Church
https://eastsidememphis.org/community
https://www.firstevan.org/membership
TBD Harvest Church
Must attend a membership class called “Discover Harvest.”
https://harvestmemphis.org/membership
Membership Process
https://www.midtownbaptist.org/membership
Must attend a membership class called “Membership Matters.” (Usually the first Sunday of every month)
TBD Park Ave Church
TBD The Avenue Community Church
https://www.theavecc.org/membership
While we’re only visiting a few, there are many faithful churches in Memphis that we affirm. We encourage you to explore them as you prayerfully consider where to plant yourself.
Other church partners:
Church Decision
You’ll have time to revisit churches throughout September, but we ask that you submit your church decision by mid-October. We will communicate with you a specific deadline once the program starts.
Build relationships
Be known in the body
Connect with older believers who can invest in you
Step into meaningful opportunities to serve
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AND SERVING 📝
Important Note: Most of the churches we partner with require formal membership before allowing you to serve. The membership process typically involves:
Attending a class (sometimes on a Saturday morning)
Interviewing with an elder
Some churches only offer membership classes once per quarter. If you miss their fall membership class, you may not be eligible to become a member or serve until spring.
➡️ We recommend writing down the membership class date for any church you’re considering so you don’t miss the opportunity to engage quickly and fully.