One of the things that has marked Baptists out from other church denominations, right from our beginnings in the seventeenth century, has been our understanding of church membership. Membership in the local church should be one of the most fulfilling aspects of your Christian walk. Why Bother With Church Membership…? Church membership should never be viewed as joining a club or organisation. Properly understood, church membership tangibly signifies our commitment to Christ and also our commitment to other believers. Who Is Church Membership For…?
Benefits & Responsibilities… Benefits include fellowship; encouragement; prayer; pastoral support; love; worship; discipleship; the ability to identify and exercise your spiritual gifts; and the opportunity to attend Church Members’ Meetings where we make important decisions like the appointment of Ministers and volunteers, stewardship of finances, and the organisation of our mission and ministry. Responsibilities include regularly attending church services, prayer meetings and Members’ Meetings; seeking the mind of Christ; supporting the vision of the church; to love, to pray for and to encourage others; giving to the work and vision of the church; and living in a way which is honouring to God in service to him and to each other. Understanding Church Members’ Meetings So, the final responsibility in discerning the mind of Christ rests not with the BUGB, the ministers, or deacons but with the church members. Our bi-monthly Members’ Meetings are the occasions when we seek the will of God through prayer and mutual listening. At these gatherings, we consider important ministry and mission decisions which need to be made. We acknowledge that Jesus is in the midst of our meeting, making his mind known to those who come seeking to know and do his will. Spiritual leaders such as ministers and deacons are God’s gift to the church. Their wisdom, maturity, judgement and Christ-likeness ought to be considered. But, the Church Meeting does not exist to simply ‘rubber stamp’ the wishes of the Leadership, but rather has a serious spiritual role in accountability. Would You Like To Consider Church Membership…? Firstly, a couple of church members will be asked to meet with you so that they can learn more about you; hear your spiritual story; share a little more detail about LBC and church membership; and answer any questions that you might have. Secondly, assuming both you and they are comfortable with proceeding further, your visitors will be left with the happy task of commending you for membership at the next Church Members’ Meeting. During the Members’ Meeting they will share a thumbnail sketch of your faith in Christ and commitment to LBC. Finally, you will be publicly welcomed into Membership at the next Sunday morning Communion service. Still Have Questions…? |
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