antioch
missionary baptist church
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
Becoming a member of a church is a way that we identify with others who have committed themselves as a follower of Jesus. Being a part of the church is a way that we witness to our faith in God and open ourselves to relationships that only Christian communities can offer. Every Sunday, we extend the call to discipleship to invite persons to become a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. If you are considering becoming a member, we hope that the following list of Frequently Asked Questions will help you get a better sense of what is involved with joining our church.
Who may join the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church?
Anyone!
What are the ways that a person may join this church?
There are 3 basic ways:
1) Profession of Faith and Baptism. This is when a person is making their first public profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. This does not necessarily mean that you are just becoming a believer at the time, but that you are now making your decision public, requesting baptism and membership.
2) Transfer of Letter. This is just a fancy way of saying that you are already a member of another church, and are simply wanting to move your membership to our church. We understand and recognize that not all churches have “membership” and that you may just simply be joining our church without an official transfer.
3) Statement of Christian Experience. This option is for those who are neither making a first-time profession of faith OR coming from another church. New members in this category are simply saying, “I’m not a new Christian, and I don’t have a current church membership, but I want to be a member of this church.”
How exactly do I join?
That’s easy. When the Pastor extends the Call to Discipleship, just walk down the aisle and express your desire to become a member. The church clerk will relay this information to the Pastor and your desire to become a member will be presented to the congregation. The New Members Orientation Committee will pray with you and ask you to complete a contact form. You will be required to complete an orientation class, with the length of classes dependent on your previous Christian experience. After your orientation has been satisfied, you will be presented with a certificate of class completion, a new member orientation packet, and officially welcomed as a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
What if I have a fear of standing up in front of people?
No worries! Contact one of our deacons and he will arrange a meeting with the Pastor. You will be able to express your desire to become a member at this time.
What if I have been baptized before but wish to do it again?
If this is your wish, we would be happy to do this after having a conversation with you about your reasons.
Are members expected to give financially to the church?
Yes. The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, its programs and staff, are supported solely by our membership. We have no other income for our annual budget. Your regular financial support as a member is crucial to the church, as well as biblically showing your commitment to Christ and His Church. Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house... if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
The goal that we ask everyone to shoot for is 10% (a tithe), but we are well aware that some of our members are in tough financial situations. We ask that you give what you can on a consistent basis to enhance the work of God's kingdom.
Besides financial giving, what is expected of me after I join?
We encourage every new member to join a Sunday School Class, attend mid-week Bible study, and get involved in a ministry of your choice within 3 months of joining. Eventually you will possibly be asked to serve on various committees or even serve in a leadership capacity. You will find your Christian walk and membership here much more fulfilling if you establish healthy, Christian relationships and if you find a place where you can use your God-given gifts to build up His Church and support our ministries.
We welcome you to attend any of our worship services and make your request known to become a member. Also, if you have questions you would like to have answered that are not covered above, please complete the form below and a church representative will contact you in a timely manner.