Thank you for visiting our web site. We hope you are encouraged and inspired by what you see God doing in our Second Baptist family. We hope you find this information on Membership helpful. Below you will find some common questions and answers regarding membership.
Church membership is a covenant relationship between individual Christians who share the same basic beliefs. These Christians take the step of membership because they are deeply committed to:
- Connecting to God in worship - Experiencing praise and worship of our God and King together weekly.
- Connecting to each other through Small Group relationships - Supporting and encouraging one another in spiritual growth.
- Connecting to others through ministry - Together seeking to bless their local area and the world for God's glory.
Yes. One-half of the New Testament is made up of letters that Paul, the Apostle, wrote to specific churches (i.e. groups of Christians in one locale who identified with and were committed to one another). In 1 Timothy, Paul wrote specifically about the qualifications of and instructions for church leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Jesus referenced the local church several times and even detailed the circumstances in which an individual could be removed from membership (Matthew 1:15-17). If there was no such thing as church membership, none of this would make sense.
It's true that some are almost as involved as they would be if they were members. However, membership is more intentional and usually evokes a great sense of connection, ownership, and commitment from both the church as well as the individual. When you officially become a Second Baptist family member, several things are available and more likely to happen:
- The small group you have chosen assumes responsibility to care for you and your family.
- You receive help in developing a customized personal spiritual action plan.
- Financial assistance and scholarships are available for seasons of crises that are more substantial than those available for non-members.
First, all members must have a personal relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Next, all prospective members must have been or be willing to submit to Believer's Baptism. Believer's Baptism is defined as baptism that takes place after salvation to symbolize what God has already done in the believer's life. We believe that baptism should be by immersion (infant baptism would not qualify under these guidelines).
Finally, all prospective members must attend the Discover 2BC workshop. Discover 2BC is an orientation designed to help you get the best possible start as a new member at Second Baptist. The workshop is led by our Executive Pastor, Paul Hudson. You will learn a little about the history of Second Baptist, and about the part you can play in its future. Discover 2BC is a one-hour workshop held on Sundays at 11am in the Chapel every other month. The setting is laid-back and fun, and childcare is provided.
There are six basic disciplines we belive that all healthy Christians practice as faithful members:
- Individual and corporate worship
- A regular time of personal Bible study and prayer
- Involvement in a Small Group
- Give in a God-honoring manner
- Serving in a meaningful ministry
- A commitment to inviting others to Second Baptist
We understand the Christian life to be a process; which means every member will not excel in all five of these areas. However, we believe a growing Christian will seek to grow from year to year in all five areas of discipline.
The first step is to let us know you would like to become a member of Second. You can do that by:
- Contacting one of the Pastors.
- Attending one of the Disover 2BC workshops.
- Contacting Pam Sims in the church office. (327-6565) or (pams@sbcconway.org)
