Membership
How Do I Join Calvary Baptist Church?
We are always so pleased when someone asks about joining our church, so we would like to answer that question plainly.
First, the most important thing
Joining our church — or any other — does not save you or give you a home in Heaven.
Only trusting in Jesus Christ as our Savior accomplishes salvation. If you need to be saved, we would love to show you from the Bible how to receive eternal life as a gift from God. Ask us about it.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
Four ways
Joining can happen in one of four ways
01
By Baptism
We may join by baptism. Having received Jesus as our Savior, we are willing to be baptized by immersion as a sign of our faith in Jesus.
02
By Letter of Transfer
We may join by transfer of membership from another church. We have received Jesus as our Savior, and have already been baptized by immersion.
Our clerk will contact your previous church for transfer of membership when you supply the church name. You do not have to make any contact.
03
By Statement of Faith
We may join by statement of faith. We have received Jesus as our Savior and have already been baptized by immersion, but do not have membership in another church.
04
By Restoration
We may come to restore membership in the church. After reaffirming our commitment to the Lord Jesus, to the members and leadership of Calvary Baptist Church, membership will be fully restored after four consecutive weeks of regular attendance.
The process
How joining goes
- 1
Tell the pastor you are interested
He will provide reading materials, the church constitution and articles of faith, and answer anything you want to ask.
- 2
Read the New Members Study
“Discipleship 101” — a short Bible study on what it means to follow Christ, and how a local church helps you do it.
- 3
Complete the Membership Application
A simple form; the pastor will give it to you along with the reading.
- 4
Meet with the pastor and a deacon
Together you will talk through which of the four ways you will join the church.
- 5
Come forward in a public service
The pastor will encourage you and instruct you about this part of the process — you will not be surprised by anything.
Afterward
After joining the church
When you join, the members will greet you and welcome you into our fellowship at the close of the service. This always brings great joy to everyone.
Joining the church is just the beginning. We hope that you will feel at home and become an integral part of the church family. Church is a place to learn, to grow, to fellowship, and also a place to serve. It is our hope that you will find a place of ministry according to your gifts and interests — the opportunities will be discussed with you as part of the New Members Study.
“If you are thinking of joining, speak with me about it before or after the service and I will provide everything you need to get started.”
Bro. Tom, pastor