MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

 
 

Membership.  RBC believes that as Christians we are directed to formally commit oneself to an identifiable, 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 edifying 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, he submits himself to the care and the authority of the biblically qualified leaders that God has placed in that assembly.

Qualifications for membership. Those seeking membership must, through their actions, words, lifestyle, and affiliations, evidence a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.  Applicants for membership must comply with the following conditions before applying for membership, even if the applicant submits a letter of transfer or recommendation.

A. Proclaim an understanding and agreement with the Gospel.
B. Profess faith as a believer in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior followed by baptism by a single immersion. An applicant that has been baptized prior to coming to RBC is not required to receive another baptism.  RBC does not believe in triple/trine/triune baptism.
C. Affirm that they are willing to accept and support the beliefs in the RBC statement of faith.
D. Attend a pre-membership study of the church’s statement of faith, the constitution and bylaws of the church, the ministries of the church, general church practices, and expectations of members.
E. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
 
Application for membership. The following steps are required for review of an applicant and acceptance as a church member (hereafter referred to solely as member).  The members will consider each applicant separately regardless of family relationships.
A. Upon meeting the qualifications, the applicant will complete a membership application and submit it to an elder of the church. The applicant will provide a written testimony of his or her salvation along with the membership application.
B. A group of church officers will interview the applicant to ensure he or she fully meets the qualifications for membership and agrees to submit to the authority of the church and its leaders. The interview will also provide the applicant the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns.
C. Following the interview, the interviewing officers will make a determination, by unanimous vote, as to whether they will report to the members that the applicant is qualified for membership.
1. If the interviewing officers agree the applicant is qualified, they will inform the other church officers that the request for membership is to be included as an agenda topic at a business meeting.
2. If the interviewing officers do not agree the applicant is qualified, they will inform the applicant of their concerns and provide the applicant an opportunity to address those concerns. They will also inform the other church officers.
D. The members will consider approval of an applicant for membership at a business meeting via a motion for each applicant.
1. The church will publish the written testimony of the salvation of each applicant at least two Sundays preceding the date of the business meeting, via electronic and print means, to allow the members to read the testimony in advance and talk with the applicant as desired.
2. After a motion is presented to approve an applicant, the applicant will be asked to publicly present his or her testimony to the members.
3. The members will consider a motion to approve an applicant only if the applicant is present at the meeting, except if health issues, family emergency, or work conflict preclude his or her attendance at the meeting.

 

The Church’s Expectations of Members.  RBC believes that members should be active in the life of the church.
A. We regard active church membership as the regular involvement of each member with the other members in the church’s life and programs.  Regular involvement includes all of the following: attending the meetings and services, giving tithes and offerings, serving with gifts and talents, participating in spreading the gospel, caring for each other, yielding to the church leadership, and continuing to willingly accept and support the statement of faith and constitution and bylaws of this church,
B. Members are responsible to follow the Scriptures in every other relationship such as family, workplace, school, and community.
C, Members also are responsible for the development of their own personal holiness and walk with God through their individual effort and support from other believers.
 
Only active church members are entitled to vote on business matters brought before the church for a decision. 
Reformed Baptist Church | 830 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 | rbclewisburg@gmail.com | 570-524-7488