Becoming a member of Brackley Baptist Church:

WHO MAY BECOME MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH?

 

We believe that the only people who should become 'members' of a local church, such as Brackley Baptist Church are people who are in membership of the invisible and universal Church of Jesus Christ. This is made up of individuals who accept basic Christian teachings on the Lordship of Christ and have, with the help of the Holy Spirit, made a personal response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

You cannot become a Christian accidentally or by living a 'good life'. You cannot become a Christian by being born in a "Christian country" any more than being born in hospital automatically makes you a Doctor.

 

You have to decide to become a Christian by choosing to trust and follow Jesus Christ.

 

Accepting that Jesus is the Son of God and acknowledging that we can never in our own strength reach the standards of life and behaviour which God expects from us, we "repent" by being truly sorry for the way we have gone our own way rather than God's way. We then, with the help of the Holy Spirit, "turn about" and start walking in the direction God would have us go, by accepting the Lordship of Christ over our own lives.

 

Because this inner 'conversion' is something personal between an individual and God, others can only listen to a story told of how one person became a believer. It is then possible only to look at how that life is lived in the light of a new relationship with God, the 'proof of the pudding'!

 

This is why we will only Baptise those who have such a story to tell. We expect candidates for Baptism to say how they came to believe in the Lordship of Christ and what difference He has made to their lives since.

 

So before someone becomes a 'member' of this local Church we look for evidence that they are members of Christ's Church: Someone who has had a personal experience of God, have made a personal commitment to Christ, and have started obeying Christ's commands including the command to be Baptised after becoming a believer. (see section on "Becoming a Christian")

 

APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP:

 

Anyone may present themselves as a candidate for membership at any service. After meeting with the Pastor or some of the Deacons, during which they will either tell how they made an initial faith commitment to Christ, or they will make that commitment during the visit. If the Pastor and Deacons are satisfied that the person is a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, then they will recommend that person for membership to the Church Business Meeting.

• If the candidate for membership has not already done so, they will be expected to share their testimony of faith following which they will be Baptised as a Believer.

• If already a Baptised Believer and in membership of another Baptist Church they may 'transfer' their membership to this church.

• If already a Baptised Believer but not currently in membership of another Baptist Church they may become a member by the making a statement of how they became a Christian and of their Baptism as a Believer.

• If someone has previously been 'excluded' from this or any other fellowship of like order, they may be 'restored' into membership upon their public confession of error and satisfactory evidence of repentance.

Candidates are accepted into Membership during the Church Business Meeting and are welcomed into the fellowship at the next convenient Communion Service where they accept the Duties and Responsibilities of Church membership.

 

Only Members over 14 years of age may act and vote in the transactions of the Church. Only Members over 16 years of age may serve on standing committees, or hold office in the Church, or serve as a co-ordinator or leader.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP:

 

Associate Membership is provided for individuals of other Christian denominations who wish to associate with this Church for service and fellowship, but wish to remain true to their own denomination. They are still expected to show evidence of their Christian commitment, but may not have been Baptised as a Believer.

 

They may serve as a team teacher, helper, or non-voting addition to a standing committee. Associate Members may attend and speak at, but not vote in, Church Business Meetings.

 

WHAT ABOUT YOU?:

 

If you are (or wish to become a Christian) attend Brackley Baptist Church regularly and would like to join this fellowship you may apply personally for membership by coming to the front of the Sanctuary at the close of the sermon, or by speaking to the Pastor or one of the Deacons. If you live elsewhere, we would be willing to try and put you in touch with a Baptist Church nearer you.

 

Becoming a Christian

 

Duties and Responsibilites of Church members