Membership

_Membership

One of the most frequently asked questions of our guests is "How do you join the Baptist Church?" We accept members in three ways, baptism into the church, by letter from another Baptist Church, and by statement of faith.

If you have any questions, we would love the opportunity to share with you further.

Baptism into the Church?

A New Testament Church is made up of believers in Jesus Christ only. Thus, you must first of all believe in Christ as your Savior (Acts 16:13). To believe in Christ is to ask for forgiveness for your sins, and commit yourself to Him and His way.

We believe that a person is saved by placing his or her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross to save us from our sins (1 Peter 1 : 18 - 19) We further believe that New Testament baptism is by immersion and is to take place after a person is saved. It is not a sacrament, but a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6 : 4 - 6). It pictures our faith in Him alone for salvation.

To make Jesus Lord is to give Him control of your life. After having made this decision you need to make it known by walking down the aisle during the invitation at the close of a worship service. You have the promise of the Lord, "Him that comes unto me I will in no way cast him out, " (John 6:37). Friend, Jesus will receive you and so will Eternal Life.

Following this decision, you need to be baptized by immersion, into the full membership of the Eternal Life family!

Belong To Another Baptist Church?

Every Christian should have his or her church membership in the city where they live and at the church where they worship. Since church membership is essentially fellowship, one can only be in true fellowship where he or she can worship and serve regularly. Thus, we invite you to come and join us by transfer of membership.. We will write to your former church for your church letter. This is called "joining by letter."

If this is not possible you simply need to come forward and say that you wish to join by "statement of faith".

We receive those coming to us from other denominations as candidates for baptism upon the basis of their Christian experience. In no sense does this imply that you are not already a Christian. If your belief is the same as ours, we shall welcome you to be baptized and become a member of Eternal Life. During the public invitation at the close of a worship service, simply come and express your desire to "come by baptism."

If you are still uncertain...

if we have not covered your particular situation and you still have questions, may we suggest that you arrange a conference with the pastor or staff member.

Any one of them would be happy to counsel with you to the end that your spiritual need may be secured, and that you may find your place in our growing family of faith!