Membership

Membership Matters @ Trinity Baptist

Q. WHAT IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?

A. Church Membership is a covenant relationship between individual Christians who share the same basic beliefs. These Christians take the step of church membership because they are deeply committed to:

Supporting and encouraging one another as they grow spiritually
Working together to share Christ with others
Seeking together to bless their local area and the world for God’s glory

Q. IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP BIBLICAL?

A. Yes. One-half of the New Testament is made up of letters that the Apostle Paul 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 instruction for church leaders (1Timothy 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 18:15-17). If there was no such thing as church membership, none of this would make sense.

Q. WHY JOIN IF I’M ALREADY INVOLVED?

A. It’s true some are almost as involved as they would be if they were members. However, membership is more intentional and usually evokes a greater sense of ownership and commitment from both the church as well as the individual. When you “make it official” by becoming a member of Trinity Baptist Church, several things are available and are more likely to happen:

The Sunday School class you choose assumes responsibility to care for you and your family.
You receive help in developing a customized personal spiritual action plan.
Assistance is available to help you find a meaningful place of service.
Financial assistance is available for seasons of crises that are more substantial than those available for non-members.

Q. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF CHURCH MEMBERS?

A. There are six basic disciplines that we believe all healthy Christians practice as faithful members:

Involvement in a Bible Fellowship
Serving in a God-honoring manner
Serving in a meaningful church ministry
A commitment to invite others to Trinity Baptist Church
A regular time of personal Bible study and prayer
Tithing regularly to this body in support of her ministries.

Q. HOW DO I JOIN?

A. At the close of the worship service, you are invited to respond to the leadership of the Holy Spirit by coming forward. Our Pastors and trained counselors are available to help you. You may become a candidate by:

Trusting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, desiring New Testament baptism; or
Having previously accepted Christ, desiring New Testament baptism; or
Your statement of previous acceptance of Christ and previous New Testament baptism, or your letter from a sister church;
and upon completion of the 4 week Discovering Trinity class.

Q. WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?

A. First, all members must have a personal relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as 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. Trinity Baptist believes that baptism should be by immersion.

Finally, all prospective members must attend the Discovering Trinity class. The Discovering Trinity class is a 4 week orientation designed to help you get the best possible start as a new member of Trinity Baptist . The class is taught by Pastor Johnny Lane. You will learn a little about the history of Trinity Baptist and about the part you can play in its future. Discovering Trinity is typically held on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour in the Choir Suite.