When you believe Jesus is your Saviour, it is natural to want to be with other believers: a church! The expectation of the Bible is that believers will meet for worship together, learning together, caring for one another together, and service together (Hebrews 10:25). The concept of a “Lone Ranger Christian” - who is not part of a local church - is contrary to the Bible’s teaching. A church is a family of believers, called together by God ...
We often think of a church as a building: “First Baptist Church is that building at the corner of 16th Street and 5th Avenue South.”
In the Bible, a church is a community of people! First Baptist Church is really the family of God’s people, who just happen to meet, most often, at that building at 16th and 5th.
The church is a family – the family of God. When we choose to receive Christ as our Saviour, we become sons and daughters of God (John 1:12, Galatians 4:6-7). Although we may not be genetically related to one another, we are brothers and sisters, held together by blood relationships – the blood of Jesus shed for each one of us. And we live as a family – caring for one another.
The church is also the “body of Christ” (Romans 12:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). So when you “join” First Baptist Church, you are joining a fellowship of other believers; you are joining a family; you become an essential and indispensable part of the body of Christ!
What does “Membership” Mean?
Can’t you just go to a local church? Why should you “join” the church and become a member? Yes! But …
When I was young, I did a lot of things with my best friend, Derek, and his family. We spent hours together each week. But I was not a part of Derek's family. Attending a church without becoming a member is a bit like my relationship with Derek’s family. It can be wonderful, but it just isn’t the same.
When you join a church, like First Baptist, you really become part of the family! You are publicly saying that you are choosing to become part of this family. And the family is publicly accepting you! You go from being an outside observer and a friend (like I was with Derek’s family) to being a real family member. You become part of the church. And the church becomes part of you!
In the Bible, people certainly had this strong sense of “family” in their local churches! It meant that they stood with one another through good and bad times. It meant they were united by blood ties — the blood of Jesus!
Why become a member?
We live in a culture that devalues commitment. We are taught that it’s all about ME, finding MY fulfillment. I want to be free to come an go to whatever church meets MY needs. The Bible challenges us to see that all of creation — including our lives — are created to glorify and serve GOD. We are called to be committed to a church so that we can glorify GOD — through worship, service, mission, fellowship, and spiritual growth. We join a church to praise and serve God — not to satisfy our own needs.
When you become a member at First Baptist:
- You commit yourself to this family — and the family commits itself to you. We will walk with one another through highs and lows. We take responsibility for one another before God.
- We commit ourselves to serve God together. Some elected positions, because they shape the overall life of the church, require church membership;
- We commit ourselves to build the Kingdom of God through seeking God’s will for and working for the best of the church. We pray for our church and participate in meetings of the church.
Becoming a member is a “good thing” as you commit to this community, and they commit to you!
What are God’s expectations of me?
All Christians (not just members!) are given responsibilities! These are tremendous privileges and sources of joy for believers. These include:
Being there! The Bible emphasizes that it is important to attend church regularly; to be involved in smaller group activities; to participate in the life of the church (meetings, ministries, etc.). This is an essential part of our obedience to Jesus, whether or not we are members!.
Being involved! Each of us has talents and spiritual gifts which we need to use (talk to the pastors for help to discover your spiritual gifts). This is important for our spiritual health and growth. And it is crucial for the health and vitality of the church and the Kingdom of God! (1 Corinthians 12:1-27).
Being committed! There are things the church needs you to do that are key aspects of your obedient walk with God, including:
- Decision-making: praying for the leaders and being involved in meetings;
- Practical service: from washing dishes to playing piano; from ushering to painting;
- Financial support: the church is entirely supported by your tithes and offerings.
How do I join the church?
People normally join in one of three ways:
- By believer’s baptism. If you are baptized at First Baptist you are normally also received into church membership.
- By transfer from another church. If you were baptized in another Christian church and have made a public profession of faith, you may be received into membership.
Talk with one of the pastors about it! They will then work with you, and our Council, to help you become part of the First Baptist family!
Being part of a loving family is a wonderful experience! Welcome to the First Baptist family — a family committed to loving God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths, committed to loving our neighbour as ourselves., and committed to loving one another … in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.