In becoming a member, one enters a sacred covenant with God and the local congregation to uphold the church "by their prayers, their presence, their gifts and their service. " Active participation in the corporate life of the church is essential to a believer's spiritual growth and perseverance. The bible affirms this in Hebrews 10:24-25.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

While the primary responsibility rests on each member to faithfully perform their membership vows, it is also the role of the church leaders to keep members accountable.

"The church has a moral and spiritual obligation to nurture its nonparticipating and indifferent members and to lead them into a full and active church relationship."
(Part IV, Chapter One, Section 11, p130 of The Book of Discipline of The Methodist Church in Singapore, p58.)

This declaration exercise serves to fulfil that goal by gathering information that is necessary for pastoral action and care.