What is Church Memebrship?
The New Testament consistently portrays church membership as a formal relationship between a local church and a Christian, characterized by the church’s affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s discipleship and the Christian’s submission to living out his or her discipleship in the care of the church.
What is the Process for Becoming a Member of FBC Salado?
New members can be received in one of the following ways:
-
By baptism. Applicants who request membership by baptism are not included in the membership until after they have been baptized.
-
By letter. Applicants for membership by letter from another Baptist Church may be included in the membership upon receipt of notification from that church of the applicant's previous good standing as a member.
-
By statement of baptism. Applicants who have been baptized, but who have no recorded membership in another Baptist Church may be included in the membership on the basis of their personal statement affirming their faith in Christ and their previous baptism.
*Baptism in the above criteria is that identified as "baptism by immersion as a symbol of God's saving act in the believer."
1. Attend Our "First Steps" Class
All prospective members are invited to participate in a “First Steps” membership class. The curriculum is composed of three one-hour classes which include the following topics:
- What is the local church? Why church membership?
- FBC's Statement of Faith & Church Covenant
- Introduction to our staff, ministry partnerships, and how to get involved in body life.
Courses are typically offered on Sunday mornings, during the 10:30a Sunday School hour. Those who attended these classes are invited (but not obligated) to sign up for a membership interview..
2. Membership Interview
In a 45 minute meeting, the prospective member meets with our pastors. It's just a great time to get to know each other better and recount God’s saving work in your life.
3. Congregational Affirmation
Finally, the pastors recommend new member applicants at the next quarterly Members' meeting. The congregation holds a vote of affirmation, and with a majority secured, candidates are joyfully welcomed into membership.