FBC Membership
Thank you for your interest in joining FBC community!
Email the office and set up a time to speak with the pastor.
First Steps
There are various ways to be received into membership
By Baptism
If you have never been baptized and/or confirmed in another church, we would encourage you to make this symbolic statement of faith. As Baptists, we practice “baptism by immersion” and “believer’s baptism”. On some occasions a person will request baptism having been previously baptized as an infant or a very young person. The pastor will counsel with such a person to determine whether to proceed with baptism or to pursue some other form of “confirmation” or “rededication”.
By Transfer of Letter
This occurs when you are coming to us from another Christian church or fellowship in which you are already a member in good standing. If this is your desire, our church clerk will notify the church where you have a membership that we are receiving you on the promise of a letter of transfer. It does not have to be another Baptist church.
By Christian Experience
Sometimes a person has been baptized and/or confirmed in another church, but the membership is n longer active. If this is the case for you, but your desire is to rededicate yourself and to engage in an active life of discipleship with us, we may accept you as a member on the basis of your word that you have previous “Christian experience” in another Christian church or fellowship.
By Reactivation of Membership
It is a happy occasion when someone decides to have their membership reactivated. Technically, this is not a process of “joining” since you would already be a member, but we go through essentially the same process since many things - including the membership overall - is likely to have changed significantly during the time you have been inactive.
Next Steps
The Official Welcome
Before proceeding further, you will then meet with members of our Diaconate Board.
This is done informally to get acquainted, to review our mutual understanding of faith and practice according to the church covenant, to clarify any questions you or the Diaconate may have. To explore what needs you might have for further preparation (such as pastor's class, individual counsel, or other such support.), and to make arrangements for extending the Hand of Fellowship to you when you are ready.
The Hand of Fellowship is usually given in conjunction with a communion service of the church, but it can be arranged for any public gathering of the congregation.
Welcome to FBC community!