How Can I Become a Member ?
By Transfer of Membership
A person may join First Baptist by transfering their membership from another Southern Baptist church or church of like faith and order. Traditionally, this has been refered to as joining by "Promise of Letter." In reality, there is no "Letter," this is simply an expression of membership. First Baptist's Receptionist will mail a form to your previous church notifying them of your decision to join First Baptist. This is a courtesy that allows churches to keep the membership records up-to-date.
By Statement
A person's membership may reside in a Southern Baptist church that no longer exists or for some reason the membership records are no longer available. After visiting with one of the church's ministers, the person may be accepted into membership based on their statement that their membership resides in a Southern Baptist church.
By Baptism
Baptism is commanded by Christ for every believer (Matthew 28:18-20). Baptism does not save us from our sins. Salvation is the gift of God to a person who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is an outward symbol of what has happened inwardly and spiritually in a person's life.
If you have never been baptized by immersion, then baptism is a requirement for membership at First Baptist. If you come from a denomination or church background that does not share our doctrines, beliefs or practices, then you must be baptized in accordance with the example and instruction of the Savior (Matthew 3:13-17) in order to become a member at First Baptist. A person's motive to be baptized is two-fold: 1) To obey the command of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) 2) To identify with Christ and His church
Our purpose is not to question a person's salvation experience or diminish their Christian heritage but to unite our membership in belief and practice.
