Introduction: Church Membership
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In
As a democratic body, under the lordship of Jesus Christ, our church reserves the right to determine the conditions for membership. In general, membership will be open to all persons wishing to join with this body, who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, who have been baptized by immersion upon profession of their faith, and who subscribe to the beliefs and practices of our church.
Why is Church Membership Important?
- Church membership is important because it makes your relationship to Christ and his people visible.
- Church membership is important because it provides the opportunity to make a covenant commitment in a culture allergic to that idea.
- Church membership is important because it provides you with accountability: Matthew 18; Galatians 6
- Church membership is important because it provides you with leadership: Hebrews 13; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1
What Does Church Membership Mean for Me?
Members in good standing are expected to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life, to attend the services of this church on a regular basis, to regularly contribute financially to the support of the ministries and causes of the church, to share through the use of the individual’s Spiritual Gifts and God-given talents in the work of the church, and to strive to conform to the Church Covenant.
If I commit myself to be a member of Lakewood Baptist Church, I will be expected to:
- Honor God in Christian living and spiritual discipline
- Attend Church faithfully.
- Give proportionately and sacrificially of my finances understanding 10% as a starting point.
- Give proportionately and sacrificially of my abilities and time in serving Christ at this local church.
- Strive to conform to the Church Covenant.
Church Covenant
Having been brought by Divine Grace to repent of our sins, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to give up ourselves to Him, and having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now solemnly and joyfully renew our covenant with each other. (Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 2:38)
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit, binding
We will walk together in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian Church; exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require. (Eph. 5:2, Romans 12:9-16)
We will commit to the faithful assembly of ourselves for
We will endeavor to disciple those under our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of our family and friends. (Eph. 6:2; 1 Peter 3:15
We will rejoice at each others’ happiness and strive with tenderness and sympathy to bear each others’ burdens and sorrows. (Romans 12:15; Gal. 6:2)
We will seek, by Divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. Having been voluntarily buried by baptism and raised again from the symbolic grave, there is on us a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life. (Romans 6:4; Titus 2:11-14; Eph. 2:10 and 5:1-4)
We will work together for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, as we sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. (2 Cor. 9:6-8, Titus 3:14, Matt. 28:16-20)
We will, when we move from this place, as soon as possible unite with some other Bible-believing church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. (Hebrews 10:25)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.