MEMBERSHIP

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:4–5

Membership in the local church is not like membership to a country club or civic group.  Church membership is unique.  Calvary Baptist Church is a family, adopted by God (Gal. 4:6-7; Eph. 1:5).  From Him we receive the privilege to be His children, worship Jesus together, and serve in His cause. We care for one another, pray for one another, and serve one another.

Guests are always welcome within our household. For those interested in transitioning from guest to family member, we invite you to review our beliefs, and speak with one of our pastors.  Members are expected to be passionate followers of Jesus & His Word and  give hearty agreement to our Membership Covenant and Doctrinal Statement.  A guest is one who attends some services but remains outside the church family, and separated from the protection, accountability, and care that comes with being an active member of the church.  Members, on the other hand, participate in the life and ministries of the church.  Members sacrifice time, talents, and treasure and commit themselves to the care of their fellow members, to their leaders, and to  the mission of the Gospel in the world.  In short, guests demonstrate interest, membership demands commitment.

Why become a member?  Scripture calls us a body, a family, a household – being a Christian is not a solo effort.  The plan of God for the local church is for believers to commit themselves unto each other and to a doctrinal creed, and to submit themselves unto called and duly appointed leadership, with the goal of glorifying God through building up the saints and seeking the salvation of the lost.  Membership opens the door to active participation

Do I need to be baptized to be a member? Since Jesus commands that all of his disciples be baptized, baptism is a prerequisite for CBC members (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; 10:48; 1 Peter 3:21).  CBC only performs "believer baptisms", which means we only baptize individuals who have made a conscious decision to surrender their lives to Christ.  We do not baptize infants.  Baptism does not "save" anyone nor does it bestow "grace" or somehow add merit to your salvation.  Baptism is an outward picture of an inward reality.  Baptism is a symbol and makes a statement that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, that you have been "buried" with Him, and have been "raised" to a new life, a "washed", eternal life