If the Bible is the cornerstone of our church, then membership is the cement that holds us all together. The Bible points us toward membership for our encouragement, our protection, and our instruction. We seek to carry out this vision through our four-step process by which to join First Baptist Church.
(1) Membership Class – All prospective members must attend our Exploring First Baptist: Membership Matters class. The curriculum is composed of two two-hour classes during which we cover the following topics:
What is the Church?
Why Church Membership?
What Does Church Membership Signify?
What Are The Criteria For Church Membership?
What Are The Entailments For Church Membership?
Ten Reasons to Join FBC
(2) Membership Interview – In a 30 – 45 minute meeting, the prospective member meets with pastor Andrew to provide basic biographical information and recount God’s converting work in his or her life. The prospective member would then sign the statement of faith and church covenant, and the application would go to the deacons. Other conditions for membership in addition to a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and an agreement with the statement of faith are evidence of a regenerate life and baptism by immersion.
(3) Deacon Recommendation – At a regularly scheduled deacon’s meeting, pastor Andrew will review the applicant’s testimony with the deacons. Upon receiving their collective approval, the candidate’s application process proceeds to the next step: congregational affirmation.
(4) Congregational Affirmation – During our quarterly members meetings, pastor Andrew will introduce the applicant desiring to be admitted to membership and give him or her time to share how he or she has come to know the Lord. Questions are fielded, a vote is taken, and with a majority secured, candidates are admitted into membership.
