Membership - What is it all about?

Membership is about being connected and cared for as committed followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of a church as a family household. Families are to be marked by a spirit of mutuality and interdependence. A fractured, disconnected family is not God's design. Membership is a covenant we make to identify a specific local church as our spiritual family. Here is what membership looks like at Community:

1. A commitment to investing our gifts and resources. (I Peter 4:10)

We must realize that God has given to us various spiritual gifts and resources. As Paul speaks of the Body of believers in I Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 we realize that the body is absolutely dependent upon how we minister one to another with those gifts. God has called us to be faithful managers and stewards of the gifts He entrusts to us. It is vital to have some means of accountability to guide and encourage the use of our gifts. Membership facilitates that issue of how you invest your gifts. Membership is the commitment on your part to say that you desire to invest your gifts, talents, and resources here for the furtherance of the ministry.

2. A desire to mature in holiness and godly living. (II Corinthians 7:1)

Ultimately God desires each one of us to live a godly and holy life in obedience to Him. By becoming a member of Community Baptist Church you are saying that you desire to live a godly life and grow in the image of Jesus Christ. In I Corinthians 5 Paul admonishes the Corinthian church for allowing someone to live immorally within their home. It is vital that the leadership of the church hold the body of Christ at Community accountable to a life that is pleasing to the Lord and honoring to Him.

3. A family to give and gain support and encouragement. (I Thessalonians 5:14)

As we pursue the first two areas mentioned above, that of service and living a godly life, we must realize that there are times when we will become weary, discouraged, and faint-hearted. It is absolutely vital for you to have the support of the body of Christ and the encouragement of your shepherds. No one should be at risk in serving by themselves without the support of the body of Christ. So, by membership, you are saying that you desire to obtain the support and encouragement of the family at Community.

4. To be accountable to the shepherding of the Elders. (I Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:7, 17)

The Elders are the men appointed by the Holy Spirit of God (Acts 20:28) to oversee and shepherd the flock. As shepherds they are responsible for each member of the congregation to insure that you are provided an atmosphere of grace where there can be growth and service. By becoming a member of Community Baptist Church you are making the commitment to be submissive and supportive of the Elders of the church (I Thessalonians 5:12-13). The manner in which a church is led is much like that of the home. The home or the family is merely a microcosm of the larger family, the church. It is most difficult to lead a flock or parent a home when those who are called to submit are resisting authority. We encourage you as one considering membership to be supportive of the Elders as they seek to serve you as well as honor the Lord.

Membership Class

We have a series of classes for those who want to check us out in more detail and/or are considering membership. These classes are held during the Sunday School hour at 10:45. When you attend you will get a good handle on who we are, what we believe, and how we do ministry. Contact the church office to register for the next series of classes and join us! 

Membership application form