Baptism
Baptism is an act of obedience and a public profession of faith (Acts 2:38), that visibly portrays the spiritual realities that have already taken place in the life of a believer. It is a sign of a believer’s:
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Forgiveness and cleansing of sin (Acts 2:38, 22:16, 1 Cor. 6:11)
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Union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-4, Gal 3:27, Col. 2:11-12)
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New life in Christ (Rom. 6:13, Eph. 2:5-6)
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Gift of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8, 1 Cor. 12:13)
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Incorporation into the Church of Christ (Matt. 28:19, 1 Cor. 12:13, Gal. 3:26-27)
If you have come to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we would love to help you obey God's command to repent and 'be baptized' (Acts 2:38). We have baptismal services throughout the year and hold classes for those who wish to explore baptism further.
To find out more about baptism classes please speak to Ken Poston.
Membership
What is church membership?
Being a member of a local church is one of the most fundamental ways that a Christian follows Jesus. In the New Testament localized gatherings of believers are organized and referred to as individual churches (e.g. Acts 14:27. 2 Cor. 2:1) and the authors of the New Testament simply assume that the Christians they are writing to belong to a local church (1 Cor. 5:12-13, 2 Cor 2:5-7), under the spiritual leadership of a plurality of elders (e.g. 1 Tim. 5:17, Heb. 13:17, 1 Pet. 5:2.).
When a Christian becomes a church member they are entering into a formal relationship with the church, that is defined by mutual promises. The church affirms the Christian's profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance of sin, and promises to provide them with spiritual oversight and pastoral care. The Christian promises to gather with the church and actively submit to the church's spiritual oversight as they love, serve and use their gifts to build up the body.
Who is church membership for?
Church membership is only for Christians. That is to say, it is for those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ; and are living in a way that gives evidence that they have been transformed by the power of Christ.
Also, as the New Testament clearly teaches that Baptism is the first step in the Christian life (Acts 2:38, Matt. 28:19) and the sign of our identification with Christ (Rom. 6: 3-4), all Christians who wish to become members must first be baptised. To put it simply, a believer must first be identified with Christ in baptism, before Christ's people can identify with them in church membership.
Prospective church members are also required to assent to our
doctrinal statement, as the teaching standard of the church, and assent to all other matters contained in our church constitution and agree to be bound by them.
What is expected of church members?
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Attend Sunday services, the Lord's supper, prayer meetings and member meetings as frequently and as reasonably as possible.
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Support the work of the Lord by cheerful giving made through the church.
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Be faithful in prayer for the church, its leadership, members and ministries.
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Actively seek to cultivate friendships with one another so that they may be able to pray for, love, comfort encourage one another and help one another materially as necessity may require.
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Seek to develop a spirit of unity in the church, refraining from unkindly criticism of one another.
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Use their God-given gifts for the edification and upbuilding of the church.
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Seek to use every opportunity to bear witness to their faith in Christ both by consistent Christian conduct and testimony and by involvement in the work of the church as they are able.
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Grant to one another liberty of conscience in those practices which God has not expressly forbidden in His word.
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Recognise and submit to the scriptural authority deposited in the elders of the church.
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Live sober, godly and righteous lives in this present evil world.
How do I apply?
Under normal circumstances it is expected that prospective members have been attending the church for a year. Anyone who desires to become a member to the church should contact Terry Fulton to receive an application form.
Once you've filled out the application form, you will be interviewed by two office-bearers (at least one being an elder) to find out a bit more about you and how you came to faith in Christ. Don't worry its not as intimidating as it sounds!
Following that, a report and a recommendation shall be brought to a member's meeting of the church, who shall then vote on the application. New members shall be received into membership during a Sunday service.