Baptist churches must be cut by the pattern of New Testament churches, as set forth in the Scriptures, in principles and polity, in doctrinal character and life. The Great Commission is the program and purpose - the task and the creed of Baptist churches.
A company of regenerate persons, immersed on profession of faith in Christ; united in covenant for worship, instruction, the observance of Christian ordinances, and such service as the gospel requires; recognizing and accepting Christ as their supreme Lord and lawgiver, and taking His Word as their only and sufficient rule of faith and practice in all matters of conscience and religion. Since they are saved by faith in Christ and baptized in His name, they are governed by His law, observing His ordinances and walking in fellowship with Him (1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 2:41-43; Philemon 1:27; 1 Corinthians 11:2).
Persons desiring to become members of a Baptist church should appear in
person before the church to make application for membership, and the church
may thereupon take such action upon the application as it may see fit.
There are only three modes of admitting an individual to membership in a Baptist church:
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1. By Baptism |
2. By Letter | 3. By Experience |
Admission to membership
by experience is only necessary when the party desiring such admission has
at some previous time been baptized into a Baptist church, but for some
legitimate cause is totally out of touch with the church and cannot
therefore secure a letter of dismiss ion. Where parties cannot get letters
of dismiss ion from a Baptist church, for instance, where the church has
gone out of existence, or because of no special fault of their own, they
should be received upon their relating a satisfactory Christian experience.
In such a case to re-baptize is not necessary.
When a person has been admitted to membership in a church, it is customary for the pastor, in the name of the church, to extend the right hand of fellowship.
In some localities the right hand of fellowship is extended by all of the members present at the service, when the person joins the church. In others this done at the communion service, just prior to the administering of the ordinance. Back to top.
Members who are to travel or to be absent temporarily from the church should take a letter of introduction and commendation from their home church. When such letter is received by the church in the new place it is to be read publicly and returned to the holder. Erroneous ideas have arisen as to these letters which are in no way a dismiss ion nor a relief from the duty of supporting the home church. Note Apollos' case (Acts 18:27). This letter gave Apollos a kind of introduction - made friends for him and gave him chance to go work for the Master, which is precisely the intent and purpose of this kind.
The church should consider that each member is a soul entrusted to it for protection, development, and preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven. The church, therefore, is in duty bound to furnish the best possible public instruction in the gospel, and the best training for service; to exercise a tender, loving, patient watch care over the member, and to use the utmost diligence and effort for his enlightenment, sanctification and usefulness, with the view that he attain perfection in Christ Jesus. If it should happen that a member departs from the faith of the church, or violates the New Testament standard of conduct, it is both the privilege and duty of the church to place him under discipline and deal with him according to the laws Christ has given in the New Testament. Sufficient proof of guilt having been given, the church may admonish him, or withdraw the hand of fellowship from him
Every believer in Christ is under obligation, in accordance with the Church
Covenant, Providence permitting, to unite with some church since it is an
institution ordained by Him; the neglect of it dishonors Him. As each church has
its own special field, it is entitled to the membership of all believers who
live within its natural boundaries unless special reasons exist for membership
elsewhere.
Every member is required to fulfill, to the extent of his ability, all of the covenanted obligations he assumed on becoming a member. The church, thereby, is entitled to the service thus promised, together with every member's goodwill, sympathy, influence, and such time and means as Providence may enable him to use for its advancement.