Membership

One of the most important things you’ll do in your lifetime is to make a commitment to your local church. If you choose to be a member at Grace, you’ll be on track to being transformed into an authentic Christ-follower – more than just a person who believes in God. Your faith will influence everything from what you think to the decisions you make. In addition, you will become a partner in Grace’s mission: to make and to be fully devoted followers of Christ.
If you’re a regular attendee, we strongly encourage you to become a member, so you can receive the support you’ll need in this life-long adventure. Becoming an authentic follower of Christ will affect everything you do. Membership will make the difference.

Grace Membership Requirements
• Complete the “Journey 101: Membership” seminar
• Participate in baptism by immersion
• Complete a membership interview
• Sign the membership covenant

What is “Journey 101: Membership”?
The Membership seminar covers everything you need to know about membership at Grace, as well as the mission, vision, values, beliefs, and strategies that you’ll be supporting as a member. It also covers spiritual growth and spiritual transformation, as well as how you can best serve your local church. You can sign up for the next available seminar by registering online.

What if I’ve already been baptized?
At Grace, baptism is a public declaration of your faith, and an expression of a decision you made when you could understand what you were doing. If you were baptized as an infant, we ask that you be baptized again – this time; you (not your parents) are the one making the decision to follow Christ. If you made the choice to be baptized by immersion at another church, however, you do not need to repeat your baptism at Grace. Click here to learn more about what Grace believes about baptism.

What is the membership covenant?
Grace’s membership covenant outlines the commitment you are making to this church when you become a member. This covenant includes the following:

I commit & agree to the following:
• I have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
• I have been baptized by immersion as a believer. OR I will be baptized at the next possible opportunity.
• I will attend worship services regularly.
• I will give regularly to the work God is doing in this church.
In addition, I will work towards the following spiritual disciplines:
• Commit to developing God’s 5 purposes for my life: growing, worshipping reaching, serving and connecting
• Become involved in a small group.
• Serve in a ministry of Grace Baptist Church
• Work towards the biblical standard of tithing

How life changes when you’re a member
Becoming a member at Grace Church is more than just signing up to give regularly or getting onto a mailing list. It’s a responsibility and a commitment – and one of the first steps you’ll take in living a life more like Jesus.

As a member, you’ll learn how to be more obedient to God. You’ll work on building stronger relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and other members of the church, and learn to handle conflict in a God-honoring way.

In addition, new members often say that although they had been part of the Grace family for some time, after becoming a member they really felt like they belonged. Members get additional information that the general congregation doesn’t receive, as well as voting privileges. Membership can open the door for some volunteer leadership roles.

In return, you’ll be expected to contribute your time, talent, and treasures to Grace, and to pray for the church and its leadership on a regular basis. You’ll also seek to serve more than to be served, and to value, respect, and honor everyone in the church family.

Most of all, you’ll be helping people experience the love, joy, and peace that you’ve been able to experience through your relationship with Christ. Sharing our church’s mission is what membership is all about. For more information, call the church office at 814-790-4973 x36.