We believe that the Christian faith is about relationships. It is about our relationship with God and our relationships with each other. In both cases, we believe Jesus reveals what is essential about our relationships. Jesus lived in awareness of God’s presence and placed his trust in God. In him, we hear God’s invitation to live a relationship of intimacy and faithfulness. Jesus welcomed anyone who would respond to this invitation.
Becoming a church member is a way that we identify with others who have committed to living as a follower of Jesus. It means saying, “This is who I am and what matters to me.” It is a commitment to a lifetime of learning and growing in our relationships with God and one another. Being a part of the church is a way to witness our faith in God and open ourselves to relationships that only the Christian community can offer.
This is why, every Sunday, we invite persons not members of Abner Baptist Church to make this community their church home. Suppose you are considering possibly becoming a Abner Baptist Church member. In that case, we hope that the following list of Frequently Asked Questions will help you better understand what is involved with joining our church.
Who can join Abner Baptist Church?
Anyone!
What are the ways that a person can join the church?
There are three primary ways.
1) Profession of Faith and Baptism. This is when a person makes their first public, adult profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. This does not necessarily mean that you are just becoming a believer at the time, but that you are now making your decision public, requesting baptism and membership.
2) Transfer of Letter. This is just a fancy way of saying that you are already a member of another church and want to move your membership to our church. We understand and recognize that not all churches have “membership” and that you may just merely be joining our church without an official transfer.
3) Statement of Christian Experience. This option is for those neither making a first-time profession of faith OR coming from another church. New members in this category say, “I’m not a new Christian, and I don’t have a current church membership, but I want to be a member of this church.”
How exactly do I join?
That’s easy. We present you to the congregation in the worship service of your choice and have the community affirm your decision. We will have you fill out a small card with your contact information and ask you to take your picture for our newsletter.
What if I have a debilitating fear of standing up in front of people?
We will work something out. The important part is that the congregation sees and knows who you are and can appropriately welcome you. And remember, you don’t have to say anything when we present you for membership.
Do I have to answer questions or affirm a set of beliefs to join?
Nothing besides belief and faith in Christ. Learning about what makes Baptists unique will benefit you significantly, but you don’t have to “sign the bottom line” on anything.
Why join?
There are several significant reasons to join as a member instead of simply being a regular attendee. First, it can be a considerable time when you and the congregation commit to each other. It’s significant for the community to accept someone new into the family officially, and it’s usually meant for the individual to be the recipient of this acceptance and affirmation. Of course, if you are making a first-time profession of faith, public baptism is a significant time for you, your family, and the church. Secondly, you will come under the pastoral care of this church. You will receive our newsletters and communications. Part of our commitment to you is to do everything possible to support you in your emotional, spiritual, or financial need. And third, joining is simply that important “rite of passage” that signifies your entrance into our church and lets our congregation welcome you appropriately.
Am I expected or pressured to join after attending for a certain length of time?
No. One of our pastors might raise the question, but there will be no pressure.
Am I required to be baptized?
We do not ask or require anyone to be “re-baptized” in our church if you have had a previous baptism in another denomination that you believe is sufficient. However, in the Baptist tradition, everyone should have some adult, informed decision to follow Christ that they can point to. For some, this could be the process of confirmation in another denomination. If you are making a first-time profession of faith, baptism is integral to that decision.
What if I have had a previous baptism but wish to do it again?
If this is your wish, we would be happy to do this after conversing with you about your reasons.
Are members expected to give financially to the church?
Yes. Abner Baptist Church, its programs, and its staff are supported solely by our membership. We have no other income for our annual budget. Your regular financial support as a member is crucial to the church and a biblical way of showing your commitment to Christ and His Church. Malachi 3:10 says, “’ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house…[and I will] throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
We know some of our members are in challenging financial situations, and we only expect people to give what they can. The goal that we ask everyone to shoot for is 10% (a tithe) of your income, but you would be in good company if you could not do this.
Besides financial giving, what is expected of me after I join?
We encourage every new member to find a Sunday School Class, ministry, and program to get involved in the church within six months. Eventually, you will be asked to serve on various committees or in a leadership capacity. You will find your Christian walk and membership here much more fulfilling if you establish healthy, Christian relationships and find a place to use your God-given gifts to build up His Church and support our ministries.
I think I’m ready to join. What should I do?
Set up an appointment with our Pastor either at the church or he would even be willing to visit you at your house if that were to make things easier for you. This will allow us to sit and talk with you, learn more about you, and answer your questions. We will also confirm a date for you to come forward and join in the worship service of your choice.
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