Who can join the Church?

Anyone

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What are the ways a person can join the Church?

There are three primary ways.

1. The profession of Faith and Baptism. This is when a person makes their first public, adult profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. This does not necessarily mean that you are just becoming a believer at the time, but that you are now making your decision public, requesting Baptism and membership.

2. Transfer of Letter. This is a fancy way of saying that you are already a member of another church and want to move your membership to our Church. We understand that not all churches have "membership" and that you may merely be joining our Church without an official transfer.

3. Statement of Christian Experience. This option is for those who are neither making a first-time profession of faith nor coming from another church. New members in this category say, "I'm not a new Christian, and I don't have current church membership, but I want to be a member of this Church.

 

How exactly do I join?

That's easy. We present you to the congregation in the worship service of your choice and have the community affirm your decision. We will have you fill out a small card with your contact information and ask you to take your picture to display in the vestibule.

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What if I have a debilitating fear of standing up in front of people?

We will work something out. The important part is that the congregation sees and knows who you are and can appropriately welcome you. And remember, you don't have to say anything when we present you for membership.

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Do I have to answer questions or affirm a set of beliefs n order to join?

Nothing besides belief and faith in Christ. Learning about what makes Baptists unique will significantly benefit you, but you don't have to "sign the bottom line" on anything.

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Why join?

There are several important reasons to join as a member instead of simply being a regular attendee:

1. It can be a significant time when you and the congregation commit to each other. It's essential for the congregation to officially accept someone new into the family, and it's usually meant for the individual to receive this acceptance and affirmation. Of course, if you are making a first-time profession of faith, your public Baptism is critical for you, your family, and the Church.

2. You will come under the pastoral care of this Church. You will receive weekly emails and communications, and part of our commitment to you is that we will do everything possible to support you in your time of emotional, spiritual, or financial need.

3. Joining is simply that important "rite of passage" that signifies your entrance into our Church and lets our congregation appropriately welcome you.

 

Am I expected or pressured to join after attending for a long time?

No. The Pastor, Deacons, or Teacher might raise the question, but there will be no pressure.

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Am I required to be baptized?

We do not ask or require anyone to be "re-baptized" in our Church if you have had a previous baptism in another denomination that you believe is sufficient. However, in the Baptist tradition, everyone should have some informed decision to follow Christ that they can point to. For some, this could be the process of confirmation in another denomination. Baptism is integral to that decision if you make a first-time faith profession.

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What if I have had a previous baptism but wish to do it again?

If this is your wish, we would be happy to do this after conversing with you about your reasons.

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Are members expected to give financially to the Church?

Yes, First Missionary Baptist Church, its programs, and staff are supported solely by our membership. We have no other income for our annual budget. Your regular financial support as a member is crucial to the Church and a biblical way of showing your commitment to Christ and His Church. Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house…[and I will] throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

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We understand some of our members are in challenging financial situations, and we only expect people to give what they can. The goal that we ask everyone to shoot for is 10% (a tithe) of your income, but you would be in good company if you could not do this.

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Besides financial giving, what is expected of me after I join?

We encourage every new member to find a Sunday School Class, Ministry, and program to get involved with in the Church within six months of joining. Eventually, you will possibly be asked to serve on various committees or even serve in a leadership capacity. You will find your Christian walk and membership here much more fulfilling if you establish healthy, Christian relationships and if you find a place where you can use your God-given gifts to build up His Church and support our ministries.

 

I think I am ready to join. What should I do?

Set up an appointment with our Pastor or Intake Ministry either at the Church, or we would even be willing to come to visit you at your house if that were to make things easier for you. This will allow us to sit down, talk with you, learn more about you, and answer your questions. We will also confirm a date for you to come forward and join in the worship service of your choice.