We are so glad you are interested in baptism and membership. Baptism is a visible sign given by Jesus Christ to the church to indicate that an individual has trusted Him for salvation and entered into membership in His body. As we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, we respond to his call to receive baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and we commit ourselves to a local congregation as members of his body.
The steps below outline a process to respond to Christ’s call to pursue baptism and participation in his body as a member.
Complete the Membership Application: Complete all aspects of submitting a Membership Application. This includes answering questions about your spiritual background, writing a brief testimony of faith, and sharing details about your life situation. It also involves reading our statement of faith, constitution, bylaws, and membership commitment to continue becoming familiar with our church and what it means to be a member here. If a prospective member has not yet been baptized by immersion as a believer, they will indicate so in their application.
Attend a Membership Class: Prospective members must attend a Membership Matters class on Sunday morning to learn more about our church’s beliefs and practices, understand the nature and responsibilities of membership, and ask questions of the facilitating pastor or elder. Please register for the next class or indicate to the church office that you are unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict. In such cases, an individual meeting with a pastor or elder might be arranged in place of the class.
Have a Pastoral Interview for Baptism: In the case of applicants who have not yet been baptized, baptism is a required step in the process toward entering membership. They will sit down with a pastor to discuss their personal testimony, the meaning of Christian baptism, and the practical details involved with preparation for baptism. All are encouraged to familiarize themselves with our Baptism Basics document in preparation for this meeting. Baptism will then be scheduled and completed before a person meets with the elders to be affirmed for membership.
Meet with the Elders: Prospective members will meet with the elders to share their testimony, ask questions, and become better acquainted with the leadership of Grace. During this meeting, the elders will seek to confirm that the applicant has a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ and understands the responsibilities and privileges of church membership.
Following the Meeting: The elders will affirm the individual's desire to enter into membership and, if appropriate, welcome them into membership at Grace. Once the membership process is complete, the congregation will be informed so they can joyfully welcome the new member into the church family.
Confessed Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)
Been baptized as a believer in water by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20)
Consented to the purpose and provisions of the church Constitution and Bylaws. (Acts 2:42)
Made application for such membership and have been approved by the Elder Board (Acts 2:38-41)
As part of the process, the Elders will meet with you. Once approved you will be introduced to the church as new members!