3 Ways
to become a member
Profession of Faith and Becoming a Candidate for Baptism
This means that he has trusted Jesus as Savior, is now declaring himself openly as a believer and is asking for membership in the church. Baptism is immersion of a person by putting him under water. Baptism does not help a person be saved. However, Jesus told his followers to be baptized. It symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is also a pictorial testimony of what has already taken place in the Christian life—death to his old life, its burial, and his resurrection towalk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. Church members vote to receive the candidate formembership as a candidate for baptism. After baptism, a person becomes a member of the church.
By Letter
This means that a person is already a member of another Baptist church of like faith and order. When one requests membership this way, the church clerk writes the church where the individual is a member and requests a letter of recommendation. The candidate is not actually a member of the church until the letter of recommendation is received. However, many churches accept a person under the "watch care" of the church until the letter is received. Watch care means that the candidate is considered a part of the church fellowship and has the privileges and responsibilities given to a church member.
By Statement
This means that he was once a Baptist but now is not a part of another Baptist church fellowship. There are many reasons why this occurs. Perhaps the church where a person joined is now disbanded. In some cases a person may have joined a church of another denomination and asked the Baptist church to drop the person's name from the roll. Most Baptist churches will accept a person's statement about former membership in another Baptist church.
* - If none of these ways describes your particular situation, and you wish to discuss your own needs with someone, ask the pastor to counsel with you privately. He is ready to talk with you and to help you understand how you may unite with the church.
the process
At the end of a congregational worship service, the preacher asks persons who want to make decisions to come forward. The preacher usually stands at the front of the church to receive those who make decisions. When a candidate for membership comes forward, the preacher has him/her share their decision with him. He usually talks with them about it. This gives the candidate an opportunity to clarify the decision and gives the preacher a chance to answer any questions he/she may have. Information about the candidate is recorded for church records, including the kind of decision the candidate for membership is making.
rights and privileges of membership
New members, when receiving the hand of fellowship, are advised that “you are now entitled to all of the rights and privileges of membership.” Some of the rights and privileges of members include:
Spiritual growth
Participation in church meetings
Participation in church business meetings, Hold offices on committees and auxiliaries.
Church rights to funeral and church assistance during loss of loved on
Propose amendments to the church constitution
Members are allowed to use church facilities and equipment such as the sanctuary, kitchen and fellowship hall for weddings or funerals and church transportation for appropriate outings.
Handicapped members may request transportation to and from church events via the church’s handicap accessible van. Use of facilities and equipment is subject to specific guidelines and availability. Individual inquiries or requests regarding use of facilities should be submitted in writing to the Building and Grounds Ministry for consideration.