At FBC Geraldine, we believe church membership is a commitment to walk in faith and community, guided by our shared beliefs. Membership is not just about adding a name to a list; it's about joining a family committed to growing together in Christ.
What It Means to Be a Member
Church membership is a formal relationship between a local church and a Christian characterized by the church’s affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s discipleship and the Christian’s submission to living out his or her discipleship in the care of the church.
How to Join
Profession of Faith: You must have a personal belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Baptism by Immersion: Following our Baptist convictions, we require baptism by immersion as a public declaration of your faith, if you have not already been baptized in this manner after professing faith.
Meeting with a Pastor: Express your interest in membership by meeting with a pastor to discuss your faith journey and desire to join FBC Geraldine.
Church Vote: Membership is affirmed through a congregational vote, welcoming you into the church family.
Baptism by Immersion: Following our Baptist convictions, we require baptism by immersion as a public declaration of your faith, if you have not already been baptized in this manner after professing faith.
Meeting with a Pastor: Express your interest in membership by meeting with a pastor to discuss your faith journey and desire to join FBC Geraldine.
Church Vote: Membership is affirmed through a congregational vote, welcoming you into the church family.
Expectations of Members
As members of FBC Geraldine, we are called to regularly attend worship services and church activities, participate in giving, supporting the church’s mission and ministries, serve within the church by using our gifts for the benefit of the community. and commit to prayer for the church, its leaders, and its mission.
Expectations of Members
Why should I become a member and not just attend?
Membership is an expression of your commitment to a local body of believers and to the mutual care and accountability that comes with it. In a biblical sense, to be a part of the church is to be counted among its members. As a member, you're not just attending; you're actively participating in a covenant community where each person is vital to the health and mission of the church. This commitment involves supporting the church through service, giving, prayer, and participation in communal life. It's a reflection of the biblical call to live out the "one another" commands, serving as a tangible expression of your commitment to Christ and His people. Membership is both a privilege and a responsibility, reflecting a living commitment to God's word and His people, distinguishing between the universal church and the local expression of it.
Does the Bible teach church membership?
While the term "church membership" might not be explicitly found in Scripture, the concept is deeply biblical. The New Testament presents a clear picture of believers belonging to local church bodies, with numerous references to being added to their number (Acts 2:47), submitting to church leaders (Hebrews 13:17), and being intimately involved in one another's lives (Galatians 6:2). The letters to the churches in the New Testament are addressed to identifiable groups of believers committed to each other in faith and fellowship, highlighting the importance of recognizable, committed membership in a local body of believers. This framework supports the understanding that biblical church membership involves a defined relationship characterized by mutual recognition, accountability, and commitment.
Can I attend if I'm not a member?
Absolutely! We welcome everyone to attend FBC Geraldine, regardless of membership status. Attending services and events is a great way to get to know our church family, understand our beliefs and practices, and discern whether God is calling you to make a deeper commitment through membership.
Membership is an expression of your commitment to a local body of believers and to the mutual care and accountability that comes with it. In a biblical sense, to be a part of the church is to be counted among its members. As a member, you're not just attending; you're actively participating in a covenant community where each person is vital to the health and mission of the church. This commitment involves supporting the church through service, giving, prayer, and participation in communal life. It's a reflection of the biblical call to live out the "one another" commands, serving as a tangible expression of your commitment to Christ and His people. Membership is both a privilege and a responsibility, reflecting a living commitment to God's word and His people, distinguishing between the universal church and the local expression of it.
Does the Bible teach church membership?
While the term "church membership" might not be explicitly found in Scripture, the concept is deeply biblical. The New Testament presents a clear picture of believers belonging to local church bodies, with numerous references to being added to their number (Acts 2:47), submitting to church leaders (Hebrews 13:17), and being intimately involved in one another's lives (Galatians 6:2). The letters to the churches in the New Testament are addressed to identifiable groups of believers committed to each other in faith and fellowship, highlighting the importance of recognizable, committed membership in a local body of believers. This framework supports the understanding that biblical church membership involves a defined relationship characterized by mutual recognition, accountability, and commitment.
Can I attend if I'm not a member?
Absolutely! We welcome everyone to attend FBC Geraldine, regardless of membership status. Attending services and events is a great way to get to know our church family, understand our beliefs and practices, and discern whether God is calling you to make a deeper commitment through membership.