Frequently, people have questions about church membership. That's great, because we have some answers!
When do I join?
At the close of every worship service as a hymn is sung and ministers stand facing the congregation. This is called "the invitation," because it is the time when you are extended an invitation to respond to what you believe God is leading you to do. You come forward during that time to one of the ministers and tell the minister that you want to join the church or make some decision.
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What do the ministers do when I come forward?
They will help you with any decision. They will give you personal attention and guidance about such matters as becoming a Christian, being baptized, and church membership. They will also secure information for our records and answer any questions. They will not do anything to embarrass or pressure you.
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Should I join a Bible study class before I join the church?
This is your choice. We will be glad to help you find a class suited for you. There are classes for all ages and situations.
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May I be a Bible study (Sunday School) class member without being a church member?
Of course. Many are. This is not church membership, but an excellent way to get to know some of our fine folks and learn more about our church. It is also an excellent program of Bible Study.
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Are their different ways to join the church?
Yes. Each person joins by watchcare of the church in the following ways:
A. By professing faith in Jesus Christ and following Him in water baptism.
B. By transferring your membership from another Baptist Church.
C. By your statement of faith in Christ, and that you have been baptized by immersion after salvation into a church of like faith. (If you are not certain about this matter, a staff minister is trained to help you.)
D. As a candidate for baptism by immersion from another denomination that does not hold our beliefs about salvation, the eternal security of the believer, and/or baptism. This involves a statement that you have already received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
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What does it mean to join by watchcare?
All candidates for membership are received by a majority vote of the congregation at any regular worship service and placed under watchcare of the church until such time as they complete a membership class and the requirements for admission. Persons under watchcare who come by transfer of letter will retain their membership in another church until the requirements for admission are completed.
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How do I complete the requirements for admission?
The completion on the membership process is as follows:
A. Baptism. A candidate for baptism, after the completion of a new believers class, shall be baptized and be a candidate for membership. Upon the completion of the membership class you enjoy full membership.
B. Transferring your membership. A person transferring from another Baptist church of like faith and order may be received by letter of transfer from such church upon their completion of the membership class.
C. Statement of faith. Any person whom the ordinance of baptism by immersion has been administered may be received as a member upon statement of experience and statement of salvation through faith in Christ. You shall enjoy full membership after their completion of a membership class.
D. Immersion from another denomination. Immersion shall be required of those members transferring in who have not been previously immersed. Upon the completion of the membership class, you will be baptized by immersion and you will enjoy full membership.
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What does it mean to have full membership?
Membership means you are a part of a local church. A member has professed faith in Jesus Christ, has been baptized by immersion, and subscribes to the church's Articles of Faith. Full membership allows participation in church ministries, participation in elected positions as appointed by the church, and also participation in periodic and quarterly business meetings. The Bylaws of the church explain in greater detail the privileges and responsibility of membership.
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What will be taught in the membership class?
The membership class is an introduction to our church. It reviews our history, our purpose, and our mission to reach our community. It is an introduction to ministry and your responsibility as a member of this local church.
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What will be taught in the new believer's class?
The new believer's class is an introduction to the Christian life. Relevant topics for new Christians are covered. Topics include forgiveness, conversion, faith, prayer, fellowship, and freedom in Christ.
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When are these classes held?
Time and dates are announced in the Sunday morning printed program.
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