WHAT IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
When one is saved, the individual becomes a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). Because the person is united in the body of Christ and to the other members of the body of Christ the person is therefore qualified to become member of a local church, an expression of Christ’s body. To become a member of a church means to formally join and commit oneself to an identified, local body of believers who have joined together for specific, divinely ordained purposes. These purposes include receiving instruction from God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2), serving and improving one another through the proper use of spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 1 Pet. 4:10-11), participating in the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42), and proclaiming the gospel to those who are lost (Matt. 28:18-20). In addition, when one becomes a member of a church, this means the person submits to the care and the authority of the qualified Pastor(s) that God appointed to lead that congregation.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO JOIN A CHURCH?
A church home is a place to worship God, a place to fellowship with other believers, a place to grow in your faith and a place to turn to in times of trouble and triumph. Furthermore, church membership also says to the world “I belong here. I am committed to the church, the church is committed to me and I am committed to the work of the Lord!” We invite you to join the Burnside Community Baptist Church in our faith journey.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF BURNSIDE COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH?
Becoming a member here isn’t difficult. We just ask you to do these things:
Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Be baptized, if you haven’t already
We are so excited that you would like to join our church and become a member at BCBC! Here are ways you can make your membership official:
By Baptism
For those who are new to Christ, inviting Him into their lives and are beginning a relationship with Him, baptism is the way to join BCBC and the body of Christ. Jesus Christ Himself was baptized and He taught us that baptism is a way in which we can publicly profess that we have accepted him as our Savior. Baptism represents the transformation that has taken place in our lives through our personal faith in Christ. Baptism is the first step of obedience we take in our spiritual life. We later remember our baptism to remember our united and commitment to Christ.
By Transfer of Membership
If you have already given your life to Christ, have already been baptized and already joined a church but are looking for a new church home, after you fill out your application for membership our church administrator will mail a letter to your previous stating your desire to join our fellowship. Your former church will then take you off their membership list and you will be added onto ours.
By Statement of Faith in Christ
A person joining the church by this means would be affirming that they already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that they have been baptized by a church of like faith. However, such person are not currently a member of a Baptist church or unable to secure a letter of transfer may join BCBC in this manner.
You may wish to discuss your desire to join BCBC with the Pastor. He will be happy to talk to you more in depth about the importance of church membership and guide you forward to the next steps. Reverend Shears and the BCBC family desires that all souls be saved and that all members of the body of Christ have a church home, even if that is not at BCBC. It is most important that you are personally confident that you have received Christ as your Savior through faith (2 Cor 6:14-18). Give your life to God now and should you desire to join another church, Reverend Shears is happy to get you connected to where you would like to be.
If you are interested in becoming a member at Burnside Community Baptist Church or have any questions regarding membership or giving your life to Go, please click the button below or call to speak to the Pastor at 773.994.5367.
SEND MESSAGE TO the PASTOR