Welcome to "Membership Online"
Session #1: Class Overview
Class Overview
We are so glad that you have decided to begin the process of joining the church as a covenant member. At First Baptist Church, we don't want members just for the sake of having or to inflate our membership numbers. It is our vision to see every member become an active and vital part of this ministry.
About This Class:
This membership class is made up of ten sessions designed to introduce you to what membership at FBC is all about. The first part of the class is completed online by completing required reading. The second part is a Membership Interview completed in person by meeting with us to talk through your story of faith and record your testimony on video.
Online Sessions:
Session #1: Class Overview
Session #2. What Membership Is
Session #3: What Is Required?
Session #4: What We Believe
Session #5. The Church Covenant
Session #6. The Church Constitution
Session #7. Why We Exist (Our Mission, Vision & Values)
Session #8. What We Want For You
Session #9. Where Can I Serve?
Session #10: What Happens Next?
In the final online session (Session #10 “What Happens Next?) we ask you to begin the process of writing out your testimony. This will be used later to record a video of your testimony for the congregation to see. This is the most important part of the class because it is by your testimony of faith that we as a church affirm your membership into our local body.
After completing this session, we have you fill out a questionnaire to indicate your completion of the online sessions. The questionnaire will also ask a few questions to make sure you read through and understood the class material. When submitted, we will contact you to set up a “Membership Interview”.
The “Membership Interview” gives us an opportunity to hear whether or not you understand the gospel, have been baptized according to Christ’s command and are walking in fruitful repentance and belief. We also ask that at this time you sign a statement expressing your agreement with the articles of faith and church covenant. This informal time is also used to get to know you and let you ask any questions you may have about the church and membership here.
If you have completed your written testimony satisfactorily, it’s time to get it on video! The interviewer will schedule a time with you and will also recommend you to the leadership for membership.
After your testimony video is completed and the leadership has agreed to corporately affirm your fitness for membership, we will share your testimony video with the congregation and formally make a motion to accept you into membership!
We are so glad that you have decided to begin the process of joining the church as a covenant member. At First Baptist Church, we don't want members just for the sake of having or to inflate our membership numbers. It is our vision to see every member become an active and vital part of this ministry.
About This Class:
This membership class is made up of ten sessions designed to introduce you to what membership at FBC is all about. The first part of the class is completed online by completing required reading. The second part is a Membership Interview completed in person by meeting with us to talk through your story of faith and record your testimony on video.
Online Sessions:
Session #1: Class Overview
Session #2. What Membership Is
Session #3: What Is Required?
Session #4: What We Believe
Session #5. The Church Covenant
Session #6. The Church Constitution
Session #7. Why We Exist (Our Mission, Vision & Values)
Session #8. What We Want For You
Session #9. Where Can I Serve?
Session #10: What Happens Next?
In the final online session (Session #10 “What Happens Next?) we ask you to begin the process of writing out your testimony. This will be used later to record a video of your testimony for the congregation to see. This is the most important part of the class because it is by your testimony of faith that we as a church affirm your membership into our local body.
After completing this session, we have you fill out a questionnaire to indicate your completion of the online sessions. The questionnaire will also ask a few questions to make sure you read through and understood the class material. When submitted, we will contact you to set up a “Membership Interview”.
The “Membership Interview” gives us an opportunity to hear whether or not you understand the gospel, have been baptized according to Christ’s command and are walking in fruitful repentance and belief. We also ask that at this time you sign a statement expressing your agreement with the articles of faith and church covenant. This informal time is also used to get to know you and let you ask any questions you may have about the church and membership here.
If you have completed your written testimony satisfactorily, it’s time to get it on video! The interviewer will schedule a time with you and will also recommend you to the leadership for membership.
After your testimony video is completed and the leadership has agreed to corporately affirm your fitness for membership, we will share your testimony video with the congregation and formally make a motion to accept you into membership!
Session #2. What Membership Is
According to the Bible, church membership is a commitment every Christian should make to attend, love, serve, and submit to a local church.
Submitting to a local church accomplishes a number of crucial things.
Church Membership
1. Identifies us with Christ.
2. Distinguishes us from the world.
3. Guides us into the righteousness of Christ by presenting a standard of personal and corporate righteousness.
4. Acts as a witness to non-Christians.
5. Glorifies God and enables us to enjoy His glory.
6. Identifies us with God’s people.
7. Assists us in living the Christian life through the accountability of brothers and sisters in the faith.
8. Makes us responsible for specific believers.
9. Protects us from the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
The purposes of membership include receiving instruction from God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2), serving and edifying one another through the proper use of spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), participating in the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42), and proclaiming the gospel to those who are lost (Matt. 28:18- 20).
Reading: To help you understand the importance of church membership in the life of a believer read through the article: “Is Church Membership Biblical” by Matt Chandler
Submitting to a local church accomplishes a number of crucial things.
Church Membership
1. Identifies us with Christ.
2. Distinguishes us from the world.
3. Guides us into the righteousness of Christ by presenting a standard of personal and corporate righteousness.
4. Acts as a witness to non-Christians.
5. Glorifies God and enables us to enjoy His glory.
6. Identifies us with God’s people.
7. Assists us in living the Christian life through the accountability of brothers and sisters in the faith.
8. Makes us responsible for specific believers.
9. Protects us from the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
The purposes of membership include receiving instruction from God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2), serving and edifying one another through the proper use of spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), participating in the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42), and proclaiming the gospel to those who are lost (Matt. 28:18- 20).
Reading: To help you understand the importance of church membership in the life of a believer read through the article: “Is Church Membership Biblical” by Matt Chandler
Session #3. What is Required?
What Is Required?
At First Baptist Church of Paden City, we believe that each one of us should not only be committed to God, but also to one another (2 Corinthians 8:5). These are our initial commitments, first you commit yourself to Christ for salvation, then you commit yourself to other believers through membership in the local church (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; Acts 2:42-47)
At FBC we require of our members only what Scripture requires. The following is an outline of what is necessary to become a member of the First Baptist Church of Paden City.
1. A profession of faith in Jesus Christ for Salvation (Eph. 1:13-14)
2. Baptism by immersion as a public symbol of your faith. (Acts 2:41)
3. Agreement with our Statement of Faith and willingness to honor your commitment to God and this church as expressed in the church covenant. (Philippians 2:1-2)
At First Baptist Church of Paden City, we believe that each one of us should not only be committed to God, but also to one another (2 Corinthians 8:5). These are our initial commitments, first you commit yourself to Christ for salvation, then you commit yourself to other believers through membership in the local church (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; Acts 2:42-47)
At FBC we require of our members only what Scripture requires. The following is an outline of what is necessary to become a member of the First Baptist Church of Paden City.
1. A profession of faith in Jesus Christ for Salvation (Eph. 1:13-14)
2. Baptism by immersion as a public symbol of your faith. (Acts 2:41)
3. Agreement with our Statement of Faith and willingness to honor your commitment to God and this church as expressed in the church covenant. (Philippians 2:1-2)
Session #4. What We Believe
At The First Baptist Church of Paden City, we have four distinct but complementary statements summarizing our beliefs to varying degrees of comprehensiveness. In this session we want you to read through each of these statements. As a member we expect that you will agree and uphold these beliefs by acting and teaching in alignment with them.
Statement of Basic Beliefs: This statement represents the most simple and foundational beliefs of Christian orthodoxy from a biblical and historical perspective. It captures the basic contours of Christian theology.
Statement of Biblical Doctrine: This statement represents a full summary of the various convictions articulated in the other statements. Together, these statements communicate what we believe as a church and will therefore be foundational for our teaching, preaching, praying, instructing, disciplining and counseling.
Church Covenant: This is a series of written pledges based on the Bible which church members voluntarily make to God and to one another regarding their basic moral and spiritual commitments and the practice of their faith. As members, we use this statement to exhort one another to live holy lives, and we challenge brothers and sisters persisting in sin.
Matters Pertaining to Biblical Ethics: This statement captures our convictions on areas that are debated even among “Bible-believing” churches. As the line between right and wrong is blurred in society it is important that as a church we stand on the sure foundation of the Word of God as our authority in every area of life as we are called to “teach, reprove, correct and train in righteousness”
Statement of Basic Beliefs: This statement represents the most simple and foundational beliefs of Christian orthodoxy from a biblical and historical perspective. It captures the basic contours of Christian theology.
Statement of Biblical Doctrine: This statement represents a full summary of the various convictions articulated in the other statements. Together, these statements communicate what we believe as a church and will therefore be foundational for our teaching, preaching, praying, instructing, disciplining and counseling.
Church Covenant: This is a series of written pledges based on the Bible which church members voluntarily make to God and to one another regarding their basic moral and spiritual commitments and the practice of their faith. As members, we use this statement to exhort one another to live holy lives, and we challenge brothers and sisters persisting in sin.
Matters Pertaining to Biblical Ethics: This statement captures our convictions on areas that are debated even among “Bible-believing” churches. As the line between right and wrong is blurred in society it is important that as a church we stand on the sure foundation of the Word of God as our authority in every area of life as we are called to “teach, reprove, correct and train in righteousness”
Session #5. The Church Covenant
Paul told Timothy, “watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Tim 4:16). If a statement of faith is a synopsis of right doctrine, the covenant summarizes right living. The covenant aids church leaders and members by describing what the Christian life looks like. Proper use of our church covenant encourages our members to take responsibility for each other’s holiness.
What is a Church Covenant?
A church covenant can be described in five different ways.
As you read through the church covenant prayerfully consider the gravity of the commitment you will be making to God and to one another as a member of this church.
What is a Church Covenant?
A church covenant can be described in five different ways.
- A church covenant is a promise – a promise made to God, to a local church, and to one’s self.
- A church covenant is a summary of how we agree to live. While our statement of faith is a good summary of what we believe, our church covenant is a summary of how we agree to live – more importantly, it is a summary of how God would have us live. It does not include every explicit command regarding obedience, but it does give a general summary of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ.
- A church covenant is a sign of commitment – a commitment to God, to His church, and to personal holiness.
- A church covenant is an ethical statement. Historian Charles W. DeWeese writes, “A church covenant is a series of written pledges based on the Bible which church members voluntarily make to God and to one another regarding their basic moral and spiritual commitments and the practice of their faith” (Baptist Church Covenants, p. viii). One theologian calls church covenants the “ethical counterpart to confessions of faith.” A church covenant can be an important part of applying a Christian worldview to every aspect of our lives. Inherent in the purpose of a church covenant is the understanding that church membership involves being held accountable to live in a manner consistent with a common understanding of Scripture.
- A church covenant is a biblical standard. A church covenant is helpful in a church that is practicing Biblical church discipline. As members of a church, we exhort one another to live holy lives, and we challenge brothers and sisters persisting in sin.
As you read through the church covenant prayerfully consider the gravity of the commitment you will be making to God and to one another as a member of this church.
Our Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do now most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant one with another, as one body in Christ. To God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit we pledge our love, faith and obedience and covenant to live as Christians in our community and in our world, to be exemplary in our conduct, just in our dealings and faithful in our engagements; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.
We also covenant to live as Christians in our homes, to engage in personal and family devotions, to teach our children by instruction and example that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord; and to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.
We further covenant to live with one another in Christ like love; to pray for one another; to help each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, gossip, and excessive anger; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation; to forgive one another as Christ, has forgiven us; and to minister to one another in compassion, sacrifice and concern as we share each other’s joys and sorrows.
We moreover covenant to love as disciples of Jesus Christ and to grow in His grace and knowledge, as we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together; nor neglect to study the Holy Scriptures; nor fail to pray faithfully. We also covenant to contribute cheerfully and regularly with our time, tithes and talents to support the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
We also covenant to live as Christians in our homes, to engage in personal and family devotions, to teach our children by instruction and example that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord; and to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.
We further covenant to live with one another in Christ like love; to pray for one another; to help each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, gossip, and excessive anger; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation; to forgive one another as Christ, has forgiven us; and to minister to one another in compassion, sacrifice and concern as we share each other’s joys and sorrows.
We moreover covenant to love as disciples of Jesus Christ and to grow in His grace and knowledge, as we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together; nor neglect to study the Holy Scriptures; nor fail to pray faithfully. We also covenant to contribute cheerfully and regularly with our time, tithes and talents to support the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Session #6. The Church Constitution
At its essence, a constitution is simply a definition of the church’s structures of authority. Most fundamentally, it defines who can do what and under what circumstances. For example, it defines who holds positions of leadership, how a budget is adopted, processes for hiring a pastor, expectations of members and dozens of other things.
By its very nature, the church of Jesus Christ often needs to do things as a corporate body. The constitution ensures that things are done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Jesus parting command as he ascended into heaven was in the form of a command to “go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28). As a church that is our mission, the “what”. The church constitution defines “how” and “by whom” those things get done as we anticipate His return.
Download and read through the church constitution so as a member you can be informed about how we are structured.
By its very nature, the church of Jesus Christ often needs to do things as a corporate body. The constitution ensures that things are done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Jesus parting command as he ascended into heaven was in the form of a command to “go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28). As a church that is our mission, the “what”. The church constitution defines “how” and “by whom” those things get done as we anticipate His return.
Download and read through the church constitution so as a member you can be informed about how we are structured.
| Church Constitution 2017.pdf |
Session #7. Why We Exist (Our Mission, Vision & Values)
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Our MissionWhy have a mission statement?
It is important to have a mission statement because the purpose of the church is established by its mission. Rather than just being a statement we hang on the wall, our mission statement is what keeps us laser focused on why we do what we do. The church has the best mission of all. Our mission is to fulfill the parting command of Jesus when he said: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 Our obedience to this command is the foundation of every ministry we do at FBC. From worship services to Children's Ministry to Student and Adult Ministries, our chief aim is to make authentic disciples of Christ. |
Our VisionRomans 12:2 says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2
Every weekend we're opening the Bible together and learning from its pages in ways that speak right into our lives. In our services, our ministries, our music—in everything we do at FBC, our passion and focus is to see lives transformed through God's unchanging word. Paul writes "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 We believe that as we evangelize, worship, edify, fellowship and serve that God is going to do His work of transformation in us and through us! |
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Our ValuesJesus taught that the most important measures of spirituality are loving God and loving others. The love that Jesus was talking about here is this deepest level of AGAPE love.
In 1 John 4:7-10 we are given this standard "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:7-10 As Disciples of Christ we are commanded to love one another unconditionally and sacrificially as Christ demonstrated to us when He went to the cross. Unconditional love means that we choose to love others not based on our feelings or emotions toward them. Sacrificial love means that we serve one another even when it costs us. Sometimes this involves shared times of celebration. Other times it requires us to change our plans, help someone in need, or to lovingly confront, rebuke, or correct another member. In it all Christ is our example of what love looks like. |
Session #8. What We Want For You
A major part of our discipleship strategy centers around encouraging one another to make five crucial commitments. We have observed these to be indispensable for those that are growing and living as true disciples of Christ.
What is it that we believe the Bible calls us to do as His disciples?
Become A Christian:
The most important decision anyone can make is to trust in Christ alone for salvation. It is the beginning of what it means to walk as a disciple of Christ. At FBC we desire to communicate the gospel clearly at each of our gatherings and call our friends and loved ones to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. After trusting in Christ we believe the bible teaches that you are to then be baptized as a way to testify that you are walking as follower of Christ.
Join The Mission:
Once you have been baptized we believe that scripture calls us to not only be a part of God’s church (universal) but to as quickly as possible become a member of a local church where we can continue to grow under the watchcare of a pastor and other members.
As a church the mission Christ gave us is to “go and make disciples”. By joining a church you also join us in this mission and as you serve within the body you work to advance His kingdom here on earth.
Bring A Friend
We believe it's vital that as we become fully engaged in church, we invest in unchurched people in our lives. Jesus doesn't want the church to be an exclusive club. So we think it's vital that as we become fully engaged in church, we invest in unchurched people in our lives. That doesn't mean that we treat them as projects. It means that we genuinely care about them, get to know what's happening in their lives, and, when the time is right, invite them to take an appropriate next step toward Jesus.
Choose Community
We all know that life is better when experienced with others. The same is true of our life in Christ. God created us for community. Here at FBC we are adamant about doing life together. We believe God uses relationships to change each of us for the better, and the reality is that we don't experience relationships when we're sitting in rows. Learning together is an important first step, but it's not the only step. When you're fully involved in the life of a church, God uses other people to help you grow, and He uses you to help grow other people.
Give Generously
Finances are a major part of the world we live in. There are newspapers and television channels specifically focused on it. Income is one of the first things we ask about at a new job. Economics is even a central in determining who we elect to public office. Money is a big deal in our culture! And it's really nothing new. You might be surprised to know that Jesus actually had a lot to say about how we manage our money, and because of that it's something we love talking about at FBC, if only because we've seen too many people weighed down by the trappings of debt and bad financial decision making. Perhaps that's a feeling you know all too well.
The Bible teaches a simple money-map for how we should prioritize the wealth God entrusts to us. Simply put, we ought to: #1. Give first, #2. Save second, #3. Live on the rest. Chew on that for a second; it's really a fool-proof plan!
And as far as giving goes, we believe one place that God would have everyone give is the local church. The church was His invention to spread His message to the world and what you see at FBC is one expression of that.
FBC is an easy place to give to because every week we see lives being changed as a direct result of faithful giving. It's rewarding! The reality is every dollar that you give really does go to further our mission and vision to make disciples and see lives transformed by God’s word. We rely on the tithes and offerings of our members to help us do this. Imagine the kind of impact you can make by simply giving consistently to the mission of FBC.
What is your Next Step?
What is it that we believe the Bible calls us to do as His disciples?
Become A Christian:
The most important decision anyone can make is to trust in Christ alone for salvation. It is the beginning of what it means to walk as a disciple of Christ. At FBC we desire to communicate the gospel clearly at each of our gatherings and call our friends and loved ones to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. After trusting in Christ we believe the bible teaches that you are to then be baptized as a way to testify that you are walking as follower of Christ.
Join The Mission:
Once you have been baptized we believe that scripture calls us to not only be a part of God’s church (universal) but to as quickly as possible become a member of a local church where we can continue to grow under the watchcare of a pastor and other members.
As a church the mission Christ gave us is to “go and make disciples”. By joining a church you also join us in this mission and as you serve within the body you work to advance His kingdom here on earth.
Bring A Friend
We believe it's vital that as we become fully engaged in church, we invest in unchurched people in our lives. Jesus doesn't want the church to be an exclusive club. So we think it's vital that as we become fully engaged in church, we invest in unchurched people in our lives. That doesn't mean that we treat them as projects. It means that we genuinely care about them, get to know what's happening in their lives, and, when the time is right, invite them to take an appropriate next step toward Jesus.
Choose Community
We all know that life is better when experienced with others. The same is true of our life in Christ. God created us for community. Here at FBC we are adamant about doing life together. We believe God uses relationships to change each of us for the better, and the reality is that we don't experience relationships when we're sitting in rows. Learning together is an important first step, but it's not the only step. When you're fully involved in the life of a church, God uses other people to help you grow, and He uses you to help grow other people.
Give Generously
Finances are a major part of the world we live in. There are newspapers and television channels specifically focused on it. Income is one of the first things we ask about at a new job. Economics is even a central in determining who we elect to public office. Money is a big deal in our culture! And it's really nothing new. You might be surprised to know that Jesus actually had a lot to say about how we manage our money, and because of that it's something we love talking about at FBC, if only because we've seen too many people weighed down by the trappings of debt and bad financial decision making. Perhaps that's a feeling you know all too well.
The Bible teaches a simple money-map for how we should prioritize the wealth God entrusts to us. Simply put, we ought to: #1. Give first, #2. Save second, #3. Live on the rest. Chew on that for a second; it's really a fool-proof plan!
And as far as giving goes, we believe one place that God would have everyone give is the local church. The church was His invention to spread His message to the world and what you see at FBC is one expression of that.
FBC is an easy place to give to because every week we see lives being changed as a direct result of faithful giving. It's rewarding! The reality is every dollar that you give really does go to further our mission and vision to make disciples and see lives transformed by God’s word. We rely on the tithes and offerings of our members to help us do this. Imagine the kind of impact you can make by simply giving consistently to the mission of FBC.
What is your Next Step?
Session #9. Where Can I Serve?
As we have said before at First Baptist Church, we don’t want members just for the sake of having or to inflate our membership numbers. It is our vision to see every member become an active and vital part of this ministry. After becoming a member of the church, we want you to start serving somewhere.
It would be easy for you to say yes to anything that you are asked to do in the church. But we have observed that that doesn’t lead to health in our local body. Instead we want you to understand where you are uniquely gifted and commit to serving faithfully in just one or two areas.
We find this model for service in 1 Corinthians 12 where it says…
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12
It then goes on to talk about how each member of the body plays a vital role saying:
"For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
See, each member of the body is important. When you serve in the church you have not been called to just perform a task. You are recognizing that you have been uniquely gifted as a member of the body to accomplishment the mission Christ gave us to “make disciples”.
It would be easy for you to say yes to anything that you are asked to do in the church. But we have observed that that doesn’t lead to health in our local body. Instead we want you to understand where you are uniquely gifted and commit to serving faithfully in just one or two areas.
We find this model for service in 1 Corinthians 12 where it says…
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12
It then goes on to talk about how each member of the body plays a vital role saying:
"For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
See, each member of the body is important. When you serve in the church you have not been called to just perform a task. You are recognizing that you have been uniquely gifted as a member of the body to accomplishment the mission Christ gave us to “make disciples”.
Where are you interested in serving?
Session #10. What Happens Next?
You’re almost done! In the final online session, we walk you through the final processes of becoming a member. The first thing to start working on is your testimony.
#1. Write Out Your Testimony
Your testimony will be used later for your membership interview and to record a video for the congregation to see. This is the most important part of the class because it is by your testimony of faith that we as a church affirm your membership into our local body.
#2. Fill Out The Questionnaire
After completing this session, we have you fill out a questionnaire to indicate your completion of the online sessions. The questionnaire will also ask a few questions to make sure you read through and understood the class material. When submitted, we will contact you to set up a membership interview.
#3. The Membership Interview & Testimony Video
The membership interview gives us an opportunity to hear whether or not you understand the gospel, have been baptized according to Christ’s command and are walking in fruitful repentance and belief. We also ask that at this time you sign a statement expressing your agreement with the articles of faith and church covenant. This informal time is also used to get to know you and let you ask any questions you may have about the church and membership here.
If you have completed your written testimony satisfactorily it’s time to get it on video! The interviewer will schedule a time with you and will also recommend you to the leadership for membership.
#4. Congregational Affirmation.
After your testimony video is completed and the leadership has agreed to corporately affirm your fitness for membership, we will share your testimony video with the congregation and formally make a motion to accept you into membership!
#1. Write Out Your Testimony
Your testimony will be used later for your membership interview and to record a video for the congregation to see. This is the most important part of the class because it is by your testimony of faith that we as a church affirm your membership into our local body.
#2. Fill Out The Questionnaire
After completing this session, we have you fill out a questionnaire to indicate your completion of the online sessions. The questionnaire will also ask a few questions to make sure you read through and understood the class material. When submitted, we will contact you to set up a membership interview.
#3. The Membership Interview & Testimony Video
The membership interview gives us an opportunity to hear whether or not you understand the gospel, have been baptized according to Christ’s command and are walking in fruitful repentance and belief. We also ask that at this time you sign a statement expressing your agreement with the articles of faith and church covenant. This informal time is also used to get to know you and let you ask any questions you may have about the church and membership here.
If you have completed your written testimony satisfactorily it’s time to get it on video! The interviewer will schedule a time with you and will also recommend you to the leadership for membership.
#4. Congregational Affirmation.
After your testimony video is completed and the leadership has agreed to corporately affirm your fitness for membership, we will share your testimony video with the congregation and formally make a motion to accept you into membership!
Let's Get Started!
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First, download and print off the "My Testimony Worksheet" and follow the step provided for writing your testimony.
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How to Develop Your Personal Testimony
Make it personal, not preachy; use “I” and “me” not “you” and “we.”
- Follow an outline.
- Before – How your life looked before you became a Christian; include how you became aware of your need for Christ.
- When & How – How you specifically became a Christian; communicate the gospel clearly and briefly; include the following:
- The fact of sin (Romans 3:23)
- The penalty of sin (Romans 6:23)
- Jesus’ payment for sin (Romans 5:8)
- The requirement to repent and trust Jesus personally (Romans 10:9-10)
- The steps you took to invite Christ into your life (could have been a prayer of commitment)
- After – How Jesus changed your life; relate back to the areas you struggled with before conversion.
- Part of this can include a thank you to anyone who helped you begin a relationship with Christ.
- Clearly write out your personal testimony using the “My Testimony Worksheet" provided. Try to keep it between 3 to 4 minutes.
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Tips for recording your testimony.Come Prepared!
It is very important that you follow the outline and bring your completed testimony with you to your membership interview and videotaping. Experience suggests you will have difficulty doing this “on the fly” in front of the camera. It is our desire that your testimony be presented clearly. Please take adequate time to prepare before your interview and video taping. If you are unable to complete your taping successfully, your membership may be delayed. Instructions for Dress and the Actual Videotaping Your videotaping should take about 5-7 minutes (thatʼs all!). You will be shot “waist up” (from your waist to the top of your head). You may want to bring a hairbrush or mirror with you for last minute “touch up.” Wear a dark, solid-color shirt. It helps with microphone attachment if the shirt has buttons. Do not wear a shirt with a slogan on it, a tank-top or a tube-top. Keep jewelry and makeup to a minimum. Hats, bandannas and sunglasses are not allowed, as they hide your facial expression. |
Just One More Thing....
Take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Upon submission we will contact you to set up your membership interview and videotaping. Thank you for taking the time to complete Membership Online.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
