Church membership

    We desire to belong. Many of us join communities, clubs, societies, organizations, and even families. This is because we were created to belong in God’s family. The Bible calls God’s family the church. Once Jesus becomes your Savior, you are adopted into God’s family, the church. The church consists of people from all over the world who have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

What is Church Membership? 

    Church membership is a formal commitment and covenant with a local body of believers. When you become a Christian, you are united with the body of Christ, which is sometimes called the universal church. This includes all born again followers of Christ throughout the centuries and across the world.

    The New Testament also teaches that every believer should have a formal relationship with a local representation of the larger church. This local manifestation is called the local church. 

Is Church Membership Biblical?

    While there is not a proof text that commands, “Thou shalt join a church,” the New Testament assumes church membership within the discussions concerning the church. In 1^st Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul discusses the important role every member plays in the life of the church. He uses the analogy of a body and argues that just as each member of our physical body is important, so every member of the church is important. This analogy implies that there is a clear understanding of who is a member and who is not a member.

    Paul also uses the analogy of a family (1^st Tim. 3:15; 1 Peter 4:17) to teach us about the church. Just as your family is made up of members, the church consists of members who share a familial tie through our heavenly Father. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should have a clear understanding of who are members (included) and who are not members of our family. 

Why is Church Membership Important?

Several reasons we should join a local church include:

• If you love Jesus, you will love His bride. The Bible clearly teaches if we love God, we will love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Committing to a local church affirms this love in a practical way (1^st John 4:7).
• To submit yourself to others. Accountability is good for our spiritual growth. One way we love each other is by encouraging one another in love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 5:21).
• To exercise your spiritual gift. If you are a child of God then you have been given a spiritual gift, and the church serves as an opportunity to exercise your spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12).
• To regularly meet together for fellowship and worship under the authority of God’s word (Hebrews 10:25; 1^st Corinthians 1:17-34, Acts 2:42).

Who Should Join Newfound Baptist Church?

• Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, believing that he died on the cross for their sins and rose from the grave the third day.
• Those who can affirm our statement of faith. Our statement of faith is a summary of what we believe the Bible teaches about certain doctrines. We affirm the Baptist Faith and Message.
• Those whom God is calling to unite with our church. We are a diverse group of believers from all backgrounds, careers, life experiences, but we are united in Christ Jesus. If you are interested in membership, you can begin discussing membership with our leadership before making a decision.

How Do I Join Newfound Baptist Church?

There are three ways members join Newfound Baptist Church.

• Baptism: Believer’s Baptism is a public profession of faith and is an outward sign of an inward transformation. While baptism will not bring salvation, a person who experienced salvation should follow our Lord’s command to be baptized.
• Transfer Membership (Church Letter): God moves individuals from different churches. If you are member of a sister church, we will reach out to your previous church to affirm that you are in good standing and communicate your desire to unite with our church family.
• Statement of Faith:  Circumstances arise in which your former church may have dissolved, or they do not keep adequate records. Therefore, if you are able to state that you have followed Christ in believer’s baptism, then you are eligible to be a candidate for membership.

Steps to Membership

• Read Church Membership info or watch Church Membership video
• Meet with the Pastor for informal discussion about membership
• Announcement to Congregation
• Congregational Vote

Responsibilities

• Attendance: Becoming a member means gathering with your fellow believers on a regular basis. Newfound Baptist Church meets Sunday mornings and evenings for corporate worship. Because we love our members, we expect them to make attending these services a priority.  Even though we do not require it, we also encourage members to be involved in church ministries, such as Bible Study classes (Sunday School), Awana ministry, Wednesday Prayer Meetings, Baptist on Mission, etc.
• Serve: Since we believe every member is important for the health of our church, we expect each member to serve with their God-given gift. If you are interested in learning more about opportunities to serve, the church leadership can introduce you to areas of service.
• Support: Every member is expected to support and contribute to the ministry of Newfound Baptist Church through prayer and financial support. Generosity is a hallmark of spiritual health and blessing to the giver. We embrace the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”