CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Emmanuel Baptist Church feels that church membership is part of Gods plan for unifying the body of Christ Whereas church membership has nothing to do with salvation or obtaining favor with God, it does have an important influence upon the life of the believer. This information sheet will consider five aspects of church membership:
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
A. Church membership is scriptural: Acts. 2:41. "Then they that gladly received His word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
B. Church membership is necessary: Eph. 4:11-16. A defined membership is necessary for the qualifying of officers, teachers, staff members, etc.
C. Church membership is practical: Acts 6:3. An independent church like Emmanuel is not able to conduct business, elect officers, or even spend money without the authority of its membership.
D. Church membership is legally required: A church is not able to operate as a nonprofit corporation without a recognized membership.
2. THE ADVANTAGES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
A. IDENTIFICATION WITH GODS PEOPLE - Gods people have always been clearly identified even though the expression of identification has varied by culture and time. Though common in America, the idea of the "independent Christian" is totally alien to the New Testament. I Corinthians 12:20 states, "There are many members but one body." Christ designed and instituted His church so that His people could be clearly identified with the church and be known as "the body of Christ." Membership helps to identify one with Christs church in a particular location.
B. INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS - Just as logs joined together burn more brightly than single logs, so Christians, gathered together, can accomplish much more than as individuals.
C. A SENSE OF BELONGING - When one formally joins any group or organization, the sense of belonging is significantly heightened. It is no longer "their church" but "our church". Therefore, one feels more comfortable and readily expects and claims the benefits of belonging.
D. ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY - To get the full benefits and joys of marriage, one must be committed to the obligations and responsibilities of marriage. Even so, to enjoy the full benefits of the church, one must also accept responsibility. When one joins, one becomes personally responsible for the success or failure of the Lords work. The Christian becomes a player instead of a spectator.
E. ACCOUNTABILITY - Ephesians 5:21; Mt. 18:17. The church body is accountable to each other. When believers have differences they are to submit those differences to the rule of the church rather than the secular court - I Cor. 6:1. Further, when one member strays doctrinally or behaviorally, the church is responsible to lead and guide the offender back into fellowship - I Cor. 5:5; Rom. 16:17. Membership thus protects the body of Christ from a spirit of self-will or rebellion.
3. THE CONDITIONS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
A. A personal testimony of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour - Rom. 10:9-10.
B. Baptism by immersion after this salvation experience - Acts 2:41.
C. A desire to live a godly and pure Christian life - Rom. 6:1-10.
D. Agreement with the Church Covenant, Articles of Faith and Church Constitution.
4. THE PROCEDURES IN BECOMING A CHURCH MEMBER
Anyone that is interested in church membership might simply make this request known by telling the pastor or simply marking the guest card found in the church pews. If you have any questions, someone from the church will come to your home and explain the expected procedures:
A. Come forward during the invitation at the close of the service and share your request with the pastor. This is necessary because one is joining a church family, not an organization; it is the congregation that shares in your important decision. You will not be embarrassed, but one of the deacons will give to you a constitution, membership application and answer any questions that you have.
B. Meet with your personal care deacon. Each member has a personal care deacon, and as a means of getting to know you better, he will come to your home to visit. He will likely ask you to share your testimony of personal salvation.
C. Meet with the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee consists of the deacons and deaconesses, to hear your personal testimony.
D. Upon the recommendation from the Membership Committee the congregation will vote during the Mid-Week Prayer Service.
E. It is the custom of Emmanuel to welcome and introduce all new members during a regular Sunday service. We call this "the Right Hand of Fellowship."
F. New Christians are usually asked to participate in an elective Sunday School class in Christian Basics, that are offered periodically. This will help you become familiar with some of the doctrinal basics, and help you mature in the Christian life.
5. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
The responsibilities of church membership are explained further in the Church Constitution; we do believe, however, that privileges have responsibility. Being privileged to enjoy an independent baptist church requires and demands a membership that is faithful, supportive and responsible. Our church has no other way to continue its ministry without the church family maintaining an active status.
The staff of Emmanuel stands ready to help in any way possible to make your relationship and ministry meaningful and fulfilling.