Becoming a Member

Becoming a Member of Faith Community Baptist Church

Joining a local church is an important decision whereby one who has accepted Christ as their personal Savior and who has been baptized becomes a part of a local church. Becoming a member of a local church is an important step in the life of a believer because:

According to Matthew 16:18 Christ founded the church and commanded believers
in Hebrews 10:25 to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
The pattern of Acts 2:41 demonstrates that when one becomes a believer he follows
   with baptism, he continues in the apostles' teaching, and he is added to the church
   according to Acts 2:47.
The ministry of the local church also depends upon its membership. In Acts 6:1-5
    the church sought out from among its body holy men who could assist in the ministry.
    Our church not only seeks help from its members but it is also congregationally ruled and thus, the members of
    our church assist in voting upon major decisions of the ministry.
Biblical discipline also suggest one become a member of a local church. A good church will follow the pattern
of Matthew 18:15-17 and discipline a member of its body who refuses to follow God’s Word.
God has also given to the church people with different personalities and different gifts so that it may accomplish
God’s work. (I Corinthians 12)

What are the Requirements for Church Membership?

First, one must be saved. (Acts 2:41) Every person seeking membership with Faith Community must give a
profession of salvation.
The second step is to follow the Lord in obedience and be baptized. (Acts 2:41)
Thirdly, we ask all desiring membership to attend the new members class to fully acquaint oneself with the
   doctrines and bylaws of our church. We expect those seeking to unite with our church to be in agreement with
    our statement of faith, philosophy, and direction of the church. (Amos 3:3) The new members class is offered
   based upon need and is taught by the pastor or someone appointed by him.

How does One Join the Church?

The first step toward church membership is to come forward following the message on Sunday morning or
evening and informing the pastor of your desire. One may also talk with the pastor privately to express their
desire to become a member.
The second step is to attend the new members class and have an interview with the deacons of our church.
The third step is where the pastor presents your desire to join the church at one of our business meetings where
you will be voted into membership by the church body. After the vote is passed one becomes a member of
Faith Community Baptist Church

How is One Removed from Membership?

One can be removed from membership by personal request. A written request to the church stating your desire
to be dropped from membership will be honored. If you move to another ministry and that church contacts us
for transfer of membership we will honor that request.
One can be removed from membership through church discipline. If one yields to sin and refuses to repent a
three-step process, in accordance with Matthew 18, will be followed. If all these steps are resisted and one
remains unrepentant they will be removed from membership by vote of the church body.
One can be removed from membership by lack of attendance to the services of the church. Any member who
    does not attend the services over a period of three months will be removed from active membership. If the
    member remains absent for a total of six months or more that member will be contacted to see if continued
    membership is desired. The only exception will be if a member becomes unable to attend the services due to
    physical impairment or another reason accepted by the pastor and/or deacons.
One will be removed from membership upon their death. This believer is now happily in the presence of their
Savior. (II Corinthians 5:8)

Faith Community Baptist Church

Downingtown, Pennsylvania