Membership

Membership Covenant of
Grace Baptist Church

Having been born again by the Spirit of God (John 1:12-13; John 3:1-17;
1 Peter 1:22-23), and having been Scripturally baptized by immersion
(Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 1:9-11; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:26-40; Acts 9:17-18; Acts 10:47-48),
I now join my life in true New Testament fellowship with the other members of this Church body (Acts 2:41; Philippians 1:3-5; 1 John 1:1-7). As I do so, I enter into agreement with them that:

  1. Jesus Christ is the Lord of this Church. This Church is not my Church. It is not the
    Elders’ Church. It is not the Deacons’ Church. It is not the members’ Church. This
    Church belongs to the Lord Jesus, and He is the Head of His Church. Therefore, I will
    not seek to promote my own agenda in this Church, but will seek to follow the Lord Jesus
    as He leads us together and builds His Church.
    Romans 14:7-9; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 5:23-30; Matthew 16:18
  2. God’s Word, the Bible, consisting of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books
    of the New Testament, is the only infallible authority in this Church and will govern all matters of faith and practice in our lives collectively and in my life individually. My opinions, or the opinions of others, have no ultimate authority in this Church, but what God has said in His eternal, infallible, inspired Word is absolutely authoritative. Therefore, I will seek to obey the Word of God in all its precepts. I will also be faithful to encourage
    my fellow members as they seek to obey God’s Word.
    Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 16:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Acts 5:29; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Psalm 119:89; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; James 1:18-25; John 14:21-24; Hebrews 3:12-13;
    Hebrews 10:24-25
  3. My faithfulness in gathering with my Church family is vitally important to the spiritual
    life of the Church and is required by God. When I meet together with the Church at
    the appointed times, I can receive instruction, edification, and encouragement for my
    life. In return, I can offer blessing and encouragement to my brothers and sisters in
    Christ. When I fail to be faithful in gathering with my Church family, I sin against
    God and may be a source of discouragement to the Elders, other leaders, and members
    of the Church. Therefore, unless I am hindered by circumstances beyond my control, I will be faithful to gather with my Church family on a very regular basis.
    Hebrews 10:23-25; Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 20:7-8; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Psalm 122:1
  4. The Lord’s work in and through His Church is supported financially by the faithful giving of His people. The Lord expects me to give willingly and liberally on a consistent basis
    according to how He has prospered me. Therefore, I will cheerfully and faithfully give of
    my financial means in order to help support the ministries of this Church.
    Malachi 3:10-12; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:12-15; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Romans 12:8;
    Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 5:16-18; Philippians 4:14-19
  5. I am responsible for and accountable to my brothers and sisters in Christ in this Church.
    Therefore, I will confront doctrinal error or ongoing sin in the life of a fellow member
    when it becomes necessary. In doing so, I will follow the Scriptural steps commanded
    for discipline in the Church. In return, I desire that fellow members call me to repentance
    should they see doctrinal error or ongoing sin in my life. In this respect, I understand
    the Church has authority in my life.
    Matthew 18:12-20; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Thessalonians
    3:14-15; Titus 3:10; Leviticus 19:17; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Proverbs 27:6
  6. The Lord desires His body to walk together in peace, unity, and true Christian love.
    Therefore, I will be slow to take offense, and will avoid all gossip, backbiting, murmuring, complaining, and slander; especially so as it relates to the leadership and membership
    of this Church. Instead, as disagreements or personal conflicts arise, I will seek without
    delay to reconcile any grievances I may have with a leader or fellow member of this
    Church, and I will do so in a Christ-like manner.
    Ephesians 4:1-3; Romans 12:14-21; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8-11; James 1:19-20; James 4:11; Leviticus 19:16; 1 Peter 2:1-2; Ephesians 4:29-5:2; Proverbs 26:20; Proverbs 6:16-19;
    Matthew 5:22-24; Matthew 18:15-18
  7. God has ordained leaders for His Church who are to lovingly feed and lead His flock.
    Therefore, I will gladly hear God’s Word as it is preached and taught to me in this Church,
    and will follow the Scripturally based leadership God has placed in this Church. I will
    also pray on a consistent basis for the leadership of this Church, and will manifest a
    tender regard for the reputation of the Elders and other Church leaders.
    Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3; James 1:21; Hebrews 13:7,17,24