Thank you for your interest in learning more about partnership (membership) at Ward Church!
We are currently transitioning from using the word membership to partnership, as we feel “partner” better reflects the active role we play together in God’s mission. For now, you may see both terms used interchangeably until we fully transition.
Our Membership/Partnership Class is offered in two formats: a 7-week (1 hour per week) option, or a one-day 6-hour option. The class centers around God’s Story, Your Story, and the World’s Story while also exploring Ward’s DNA—our key beliefs in these three areas.
We want everyone who attends Ward to be equipped as a disciple who is growing in love for God, self, and others. While this class is required for membership/partnership at Ward, attending does not obligate you to join. It is taught by various elders, pastors, and staff.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
| 7-Week Small Group | 1-Day Class |
|---|---|
| Meets for 1 hour during a Sunday service | Meets for 6 hours on a Saturday |
| Runs 2–3 times per year | Offered twice per year |
| Small group format | Larger group, with small groups at round tables |
| Encouraged to attend all sessions | Covers all material in one day |
| Childcare provided | Childcare provided |
| Will have an opportunity to share your personal faith journey with an elder and others at your table | Will have an opportunity to share your personal faith journey with an elder and others at your table |
| Encourages community-building and ongoing discussion | Provides an intensive, single-day experience |
If you have questions, email our Pastor of Spiritual Formation at sean.carroll@ward.church
We are transitioning to the word partnership, as we feel it better reflects the active role we take together in God's mission. For now, we will use both terms interchangeably until we fully transition.
While the idea of membership and partnership in the Bible are almost synonymous, in our society today they have different connotations. These are some of the differences:
| Membership | Partnership |
|---|---|
| About perks and privileges | About serving and sharing |
| Asks: “What’s in it for me?” | Asks: “How can I join in the mission?” |
| Sees church as meeting my needs and preferences | Sees church as advancing God’s mission beyond me |
| Says: “I don’t like XYZ; the church should benefit me.” | Says: “I wonder if my grandkids will connect with XYZ; the church should benefit them.” |
| Focus: consumption and comfort | Focus: commitment and contribution |
The Annual Check-In is a simple way for us to stay connected and care well for our Ward Church partners. Once a year, we invite every partner/member to take a few moments to reflect on their spiritual growth, review their membership vows, and update any contact or household information that may have changed.
This isn’t a test or a renewal requirement—your membership will not be removed if you don’t complete it. Rather, it’s part of how we live out our commitment to shepherding and connection.
Just as we've always done, if a partner becomes dormant for an extended period of time, our Session follows the process outlined in the Book of Government of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) for the inactivation and possible removal of membership. The Annual Check-In is a proactive way to stay connected, ensuring care and engagement long before anyone becomes inactive in the life and mission of the church.
Please note: This annual check-in will be sent to formal partners/members only. We will send it several times at the beginning of each calendar year via email. If you don't have an email on file, we will send via text message or by a paper letter in the mail. If you do not receive it by the end of January via any of these methods, please reach out to sean.carroll@ward.church.
WATCH ONLINE
ward.church/live
SUNDAY SERVICES
Traditional: 9 a.m. + 2 p.m.
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
+ 4 p.m.
40000 Six Mile Rd
Northville, MI 48168
Phone: 248-374-7400
Fax: 248-374-3322
SUNDAY SERVICES
Traditional: 9 a.m.
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
27996 Halsted Rd
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Phone: 248-482-7500
SUNDAY SERVICES
Contemporary: 10:30 a.m.
