Membership: Living Out the "One Anothers"

At First Baptist Church, we believe that church membership is more than just a formality; it’s a vital part of our spiritual growth and commitment to one another as believers in Jesus Christ. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to our upcoming 3-week Membership Class, beginning on Sunday, October 13, during our Sunday School hour.

In the New Testament, church membership is a serious and significant step for every believer. Acts 2:41, 47 tells us that those who believed the gospel were added to the church. Paul’s letters, which form a large part of the New Testament, were addressed to Christians within local churches (Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2). While no church can perfectly discern who is or isn’t a Christian, we strive to ensure that our membership is comprised of those who credibly profess faith in Christ.

One of the key aspects of church membership is regular attendance. Without regular attendance, it’s difficult for the us to truly know one another or to provide the necessary support and encouragement. In essence, church membership helps us care for one another in a meaningful and intentional way.

The local church is the primary setting where Christians live out the “one another” commands found in Scripture—commands like encouraging one another, rebuking, loving, and serving. While it’s wonderful to minister and fellowship with Christians from other churches as opportunities arise, the New Testament envisions these commands being fulfilled primarily within a concrete group of believers to whom we are accountable. This means that as members, we are called to view First Baptist Church as our primary context for fellowship and ministry.

Along with this, members are called to:

•Pray for the church and its leaders.
•Engage in transparent and caring relationships with other members (Ephesians 4:15-16).
•Submit to the church’s leadership and teaching (Hebrews 13:17).
•Promote unity within the body (Ephesians 4:3).
•Financially support the church’s ministry (Galatians 6:6).
•Use their spiritual gifts to build up the body (1 Corinthians 12:7).

If you’re considering membership or want to deepen your understanding of what it means to belong to our church family, we encourage you to join us for this 3-week class. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the biblical foundation for membership and to understand how you can actively participate in the life and mission of First Baptist Church.