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Membership Information
Becoming a part of a church family is a crucial decision. The fact is that a
Christian without a church family is like an organ without a body. It has no place
in which to function and thrive. By joining our church family, you become part of
a community in which you can serve, be encouraged, and be a partner in the ministry
of Bible Baptist--around the world and right here in Central New York.
It is loved by Jesus Christ
"...Christ loved the church, and He gave His life for it" (Ephesians 5:25).
It isn't for "shoppers"
Responsible fellowship with a group of believers in Jesus Christ in a local
community is not a consumer choice. It is a responsibility patterned for us in the
New Testament. This fellowship of believers is not a business, although we strive to
conduct our ministry in a decent and orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). This
fellowship of believers is not selling anything. We consciously aim to fulfill our
obligation to help believers in Jesus Christ to minister in that part of the world where
God has placed them (Ephesians 4:11-13). That fellowship
of believers does not offer
itself on a merchant/consumer basis. It makes every effort to provide a context of
worship based on truth and to provide a channel of service based on the commission to
declare the gospel to the lost and to apply the gospel to the daily lives of those who
have received it.
Church membership is a commitment that should be taken seriously. Membership is a
step of spiritual growth, not an organizational ritual. Following the example of Scripture,
we encourage you to discover the benefits of church membership.
- It identifies me as a genuine believer (Ephesians 2:19, Romans 12:5).
- It provides me a spiritual family to experience the giving and receiving of love
(Matthew 22:37-38).
- It gives me a place to discover and use my gifts in ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-27).
- It places me under the spiritual protection of godly leaders (Hebrews 13:17, Acts 20:28-29).
- It gives me the accountability I need to grow (Ephesians 5:21).
It is an antidote for our society
We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything... a job... a marriage...
our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of "church shoppers and hoppers."
Church membership stands against the current of America's "consumer religion." It is an
unselfish decision, where your commitment benefits the church by the addition of your unique
talents, strengths and abilities.
It defines who can be counted on
Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every army must
have an enlistment. Membership identifies our church family, placing us all together
on the battlefield for God's kingdom. The New Testament knows nothing of a "lone ranger"
Christian. Instead it places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable
to each other and in relationships with others where spiritual growth can be fostered.
You cannot be accountable when you're not committed to any specific church family.
The process is simple
Membership at Bible Baptist Church is open to anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ for both
forgiveness of sin and hope of eternal salvation. Most people consider membership after
they have already committed themselves to the life and ministry of our church family.
To begin the membership process, please follow these guidelines:
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Contact |
Indicate your desire to join Bible Baptist Church in membership by
contacting our church office by e-mail
or by telephone at (607) 756-7716.
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Education |
Several times each year, we provide a classroom forum for you to ask
questions about and prepare for membership. During these intensive class
sessions, we discuss Biblical doctrine, church history and government,
philosophy of leadership and service, and individual ministries.
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Application |
Upon completion of the short course mentioned above, you may then formally
apply for membership at Bible Baptist. You'll be asked to indicate your agreement
with our Statement of Faith and
Church Covenant.
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Approval |
All new members are approved by our Board
of Deacons. Depending on where you have come from in your Christian life, your approval may
be based on Christian experience, a letter of transfer from a previous church, or pending
baptism.
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Welcome |
We welcome new members into our church fellowship during a service
where you will be extended the "right hand of fellowship" illustrating the special bond of
fellowship that believers share (Galatians 2:9).
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For more information about membership, please contact
the pastor.
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