Baptist Union of Victoria

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

The Baptist Union of Victoria has put together this document outlining the way a number of our Churches structure and process the issue of Church Membership.

Several of our Baptist Churches were approached at random and asked to provide details of their Church Membership policies, and as a result, we have compiled this ‘sample’ document outlining the different types of policies from six of our Churches.

All Churches that have participated have been kept confidential and there is no obligation for any Church to adopt policies as outlined in this document, it is provided purely for your reference.

SAMPLE 1.

‘Membership shall be open to all who personally profess repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, and have witnessed to this through baptism by immersion, except that those who for physical or medical reasons, or for reasons of conscience cannot be baptised shall not thereby be precluded from Membership. In addition, all Members shall agree to abide by the doctrine and practice of the *** Baptist Church contained in this Constitution.

Membership is also open to persons who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and who have been baptised and confirmed or christened and confirmed in some other recognised tradition.

The deacons shall investigate the application and bring a recommendation to the Church meeting which may grant Membership by vote of not less than two-thirds of the Membership present and entitled to vote at a properly constituted Church meeting.’

SAMPLE 2.

Confession and Baptism

The Church shall consist of such persons as have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, and have been baptised by immersion as a confession of faith in Him. In cases where bodily infirmity makes baptism impossible or undesirable, Membership shall be granted by the vote of not less than two-thirds of Members present and entitled to vote at a properly constituted Church meeting.

Notwithstanding anything in the preceding paragraph, applications for Membership may be made by persons who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and who have been baptised and confirmed or christened and confirmed on some other recognised tradition. Upon receipt of an application, the person shall be invited to be baptised by immersion. If the person declines this invitation for reasons of conscience the deacons shall investigate the application and bring a recommendation to the Church Meeting which may grant Membership by vote of not less than two-thirds of the Membership present and entitled to vote at a properly constituted Church meeting.

The procedures to be followed in the case of a Membership application under the preceding paragraph are attached as Annex A of this Constitution.

Application for Membership

Any person desirous of Membership of the Church shall apply in the first instance to the Pastor or to the Secretary, who will make available a copy of the Church Constitution for perusal. Written application shall then be made; such application signifying consent to work harmoniously with the Church and be subject to its Constitution. The Church or Diaconate shall appoint two visitors to interview the candidate and report to the Church meeting. Election shall be by a vote of not less than two-thirds of Members present and entitled to vote.

Transfer of Membership

Baptised Believers in Membership with other Baptist Churches, or Churches of like faith and order may be elected to Membership at a Church meeting on receipt of a regular transfer from their former Church, after the applicant has received and read a copy of the Church Constitution, and after an interview and report by such visitor/s as the Church or Diaconate may appoint. Election shall be by a vote of not less than two-thirds of Members present and entitled to vote.

Requests for transfer of Members to other Baptist Churches, or Churches of like faith and order shall be dealt with by the Diaconate and reported to the next Church meeting.

Admittance to Membership

Persons are deemed to have been admitted into Membership at the time their successful election to Membership is announced at the Church Meeting at which the election is held. As soon as mutually convenient, new Members shall be welcomed into Membership at the Communion of the Lord’s Supper.

Annex A

Arrangements for Membership Applications other than by Adult Baptism:

(1) Interviews should be conducted or at least reviewed by the Deacons and should clarify the applicant’s relationship with Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord as well as the grounds of conscience for declining the invitation to be baptised.

(2) Any recommendation brought to the Church meeting in favour of Membership should be accompanied by a report from the Deacons that the applicant:

(a) respects and understands the traditions of the Church regarding believers’ baptism, and

(b) has demonstrated the value or significance to themselves of their baptism and confirmation in their own journey of faith, and

(c) has formulated a reasonable basis for their conscientious objection to believers’ baptism.

A person coming into Membership in this way should give a public profession that Jesus Christ is his or her Saviour and Lord in a Church Service before being welcomed into Membership.

SAMPLE 3.

BASIS OF MEMBERSHIP

i) Membership shall consist of those persons who have been baptised in the Triune Name by immersion, upon profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; OR

ii) Associate Membership shall consist of those persons who, while not having been baptised in the Triune Name by immersion, have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have been Members at another fellowship; AND

iii) Prior to being admitted into Membership in accordance with the Rules adopted from time to time, each applicant shall acknowledge acceptance of the *** Baptist Church Constitution and Rules.

MEMBERSHIP

i) Method of Application

Any person wishing to become a Member or Associate Member shall apply to a member of the Ministerial Team or the Church Secretary.

A copy of the Church Constitution and Rules shall be presented to each applicant for Membership who consents to work harmoniously in the Fellowship and be subject to the Constitution and Rules.

Prior to visitation by two Church Members in relation to Church Membership each applicant shall be visited by a member of the Ministerial Team who shall discuss with applicants for Membership the doctrine of believers baptism.

ii) Method of Admission

In all cases the Church Council shall be responsible for the appointment of two Members as visitors to ascertain that the applicant shows repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and understands the ordinances of the Church and the responsibilities of Membership.

(a) Visitors shall make a written report to the Church Secretary, who shall present it to the Church at the next Church Members Meeting at which a vote shall be taken on acceptance of the applicant for Membership.

(b) Each accepted applicant shall be received into Membership and given the right hand of fellowship at the first convenient service at which the Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated.

(c) Where a new member holds Membership in any other Church advice of reception into Membership at *** is then to be sent to that Church.

iii) Associate Membership

An Associate Member shall not be eligible for appointment as a member of the Church Council, an Elder or Delegate to the Assemblies of the Baptist Union of Victoria.

An Associate Member shall be eligible to vote at all Church meetings except on matters affecting the Members of the Ministerial Team, the Doctrinal position of the Church, its relationship to the Baptist Union of Victoria, or alterations to the Constitution and Rules of the Church.

(iv) Transfer

A Member or Associate Member removing from the district is expected to unite with another Baptist Church or Church of like faith and order. Transfer of Membership of a member or an Associate Member in good standing shall be granted on request to the Church Secretary who shall report such transfer to the next Church Members Meeting.

(v) Responsibilities of Members

Each Member and Associate Member is expected to maintain an active Christian witness and support the work of the Church by:

(a) Regular attendance at Church services; the Lord’s Supper, and Church Members Meeting;

(b) Praying for the work of the Church and the Church Fellowship.

(c) Giving financial support;

(d) Helping to carry on the various operations of the Church for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, making use of the individual talents and opportunities God has given.

SAMPLE 4.

MEMBERSHIP

QUALIFICATION

The Membership shall comprise those who have made a credible confession of personal Christian faith and embraced the Membership covenant. This will usually follow being baptised as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ or confirmation of the same following their baptism as an infant.

ADMISSION

People desiring Membership are to indicate their intention to the Church leadership and participate in an Introduction to Church Membership. Two current Members of the Church endorse the applicant, have them sign the Membership Covenant and bring their recommendation to a meeting of Church Members. A majority of two-thirds of those present and voting is required for the admission to be accepted. Newly appointed Members are usually welcomed at the following Sunday morning service.

RESPONSIBILITY

Each member shall be expected as far as practicable:

1.. To attend the services of the Church regularly.

2.. To participate in a Small Group for prayer, nurture, bible study, fellowship and training on a regular basis.

3.. To contribute financially to the ministry of the Church according to their ability.

4.. To participate in all Church business meetings or tender an apology.

5.. To be engaged in the mission and ministry of the Church according to their gifts, training and opportunities.

TRANSFERRING MEMBERSHIP

All people desiring Membership of the Church are required to apply as outlined, even those who come from other Churches. Members moving to other places are encouraged to unite with another Church and a letter of transfer of Membership will be issued by the Church Secretary upon request.

MEMBERS

Whereas the Church recognises and sets aside leaders, it is the whole Church fellowship that has received from the Lord of the Church a commission to exercise the ministry of Word, Gospel, Sacrament and Pastoral Care. All Members are called upon to fulfill this ministry by exercising the gifts which the Holy Spirit has bestowed to them. In this ministry, all accept the responsibility to encourage and edify the Church fellowship, and at the same time receive from the fellowship that nurture and discipline essential to their own growth in grace.

We believe that becoming a member enhances a person’s sense of commitment to the local Church, as well as likewise motivating support from the Church community. It creates a greater responsibility towards Church affairs, and a better grasp of the vision and mission of this Church. You are part of the hearing from Christ and decision making.

In a Baptist Church, Membership is the legal framework where the Church business is able to be decided. Becoming a member therefore entitles you to ‘have your say’, ‘have your vote’, and to really discuss together with others in knowing the mind of Christ for His people here in the community. As a Baptist Church we don’t have formal rules and regulations for every aspect of our life together, rather we trust God’s dynamic leadership over our Church community. To help the incorporation of people into our Church, and for legal reasons, we have a Constitution, which outlines some of our procedures. This is includes a ‘Statement of Faith’.

Finally, in Acts 2:42-47 we see a formative Bible passage for our Church. ‘T he Lord added to their number’ is equated to Church Membership. This passage also encourages us to faithful teaching of the Bible, and to building friendship through regular meetings and celebrating communion together. It reveals the need for routine prayer times, and the need to care for other believers. The bible passage feels exciting, and so it should be! They were committed to one another and to Jesus in love. So are we.

COVENANT AGREEMENT

Having read the Church Constitution and affirming the Statements at Faith, I declare that with God’s enabling I will:

1.. Attend the services of the Church regularly.

2.. Participate in a Small Group for prayer, nurture, bible study, fellowship and training on a regular basis.

3.. Contribute financially to the ministry of the Church according to my ability.

4.. Participate in all Church business meetings or tender an apology.

5.. Be engaged in the mission and ministry of the Church according to my gifts, training and opportunities.

…………………………………….

Witness: …………………………………….. Witness: ……………………………………..

SAMPLE 5.

a.. Basis of Church Fellowship

1.. The Church is a body of Christian people who have responded to the Word of God and the call of the Holy Spirit and have been united to Jesus Christ and to his people in their own confession of faith and in their baptism.

2.. Affirming Baptist understandings of the Gospel, the Church is a member Church of The Baptist Union of Victoria and accepts as expressions of the Christian faith the Doctrinal Basis and the Principles and Ideals of the Baptist Faith contained in the Constitution of that Union.

a.. The Church’s vision statement

Jesus is the core of our meeting together. Jesus reveals to us the grace and compassion that binds us as God’s people. God calls us to reconciliation and to the formation of a community which is inclusive – male and female, young and old, sick and well, employed and unemployed. We wish to create a community which:

a.. Is open to new directions and possibilities God may reveal to us.

b.. Nurtures our children’s faith and helps them keep a connectedness to our community.

c.. Caters for the spiritual and physical needs of the adults in the community.

d.. Attends to the special needs of the older Members of the community.

a.. Maintains and energises our missions, to support Christian outreach, development and service, both within Australia and abroad.

a.. Membership

a.. Membership is open to all who profess faith in Jesus and who participate in the life of the Church. Requests for Membership should be directed to the leadership team who will arrange two Members to interview the person who requests Membership. Their reception into Membership requires the recommendation of the leadership team and the approval of a Church meeting. It must be clear that the person has made their own free decision to commit themselves to Christ and to the Church; has participated in appropriate Membership preparation and accepts the Church’s constitution; and has been either:

- baptised as a testimony of their own faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, or

- baptised according to the rites of another Christian Church and is about to make a public profession of their faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, as an affirmation of their baptism, and is able to affirm the normative nature of believer’s baptism.

b.. If a person seeks to become a member of the Church, having been a member of another Church, a letter of commendation must be sought from that other Church.

c.. A roll will be kept of the names of the Members of the Church (“Membership Roll”).

d.. A name may be removed from the Membership Roll if the member becomes a member of another Church; requests removal from the Membership Roll; dies; or has their Membership removed by a decision of a Church meeting for disciplinary reasons. (Removing a name for disciplinary reasons should only be done after the member has been visited by Members appointed by the leadership team. Two weeks notice of the date and purpose of that Church meeting must be given to the member concerned and the member should have the opportunity to speak to the Church meeting).

e.. The Membership Roll will be revised at each Annual Church Meeting on the basis of a report prepared by the leadership team. Unless the meeting notes that special circumstances apply, the names of Members who have not attended (or been connected with) the Church in the past year will be removed. SAMPLE 6.

MEMBERSHIP

QUALIFICATIONS

1.. Subject to sub-paragraph (b), the Membership of the Church shall consist only of such persons as have accepted Jesus Christ as saviour and Lord and have been baptised by immersion as a confession of their faith in him.

2.. Associate Membership may be granted by the Church in special cases to persons who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord but who have not been baptised as a believer by immersion.

3.. An Associate Member shall not be eligible for appointment as a member of the Council, Chairperson of finance board, Superintendent of the Children ‘s Church or as a Director of a ministry group.

4.. An Associate Member shall be permitted to vote on all matters at a Church Members’ meetings except those affecting the Church rules, the doctrinal position of the Church, the relationship of the Church to the Baptist Union of Victoria, or any of the constituents of the Union and those matters for determination at special Church Members’ meetings.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

a.. Applications for Membership and Associate Membership of the Church shall be received by the secretary of the Membership committee from persons who, in so applying, signify their consent to work harmoniously within the Church and in conformity with its Rules.

b.. The names of applicants as either proposed Members or proposed Associate Members shall be printed in two consecutive Church Bulletins to enable Members to be advised and to comment.

c.. All applicants shall be required to complete a course of instruction in baptism and membership.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

a.. There shall be a Membership committee who shall consider all applications for Membership of the Church.

b.. The Membership committee shall comprise the person responsible for baptism and membership and two persons appointed by that Senior Team member.

c.. The membership committee shall receive and consider applications for membership and transfer and act upon these and other related matters.

d.. The committee shall meet as and when required and shall report its decisions to the Senior Team and to the Church via the Church Bulletin.

TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

a.. A Member in good standing of another Baptist Church or of a Church of like faith and order may be accepted into Membership of this Church on receipt of a letter of transfer and following the procedure set out in Appendix a, including completion of the relevant parts of a course of instruction.

b.. A member leaving the district to unite with another Baptist Church or a Church of like faith and order. Transfer of Membership may be given by the Membership Committee on the request of the Church to which the member desires to transfer and they shall report their decision to the Church via the Church Bulletin.

c.. When any member is leaving the district and is uncertain of the location of his future residence, an open transfer may be granted to that person by the Membership Committee. APPENDIX A:

1.. Applications for Membership and Associate Membership of the Church shall be received by the secretary of the membership committee from persons who, in so applying. Signify their consent to work harmoniously within the Church and in conformity with its Rules.

2.. The names of applicants either proposed Members or proposed Associate Members shall be printed in two consecutive Church bulletins to enable members to be advised and to comment.

3.. All applicants shall be required to complete a course of instruction in baptism and membership under the direction of the senior team member responsible for baptism and membership.

MEMBERSHIP COVENANT:

At *** we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches and expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in the Membership Covenant as follows..

‘Having been convicted of my sin and born into the Kingdom of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and having given witness to my faith through baptism. I hereby covenant under the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit to.

a.. Strengthen my spiritual life through diligent Bible study and prayer.

b.. Guide and nurture my children (if any) in the faith by personal example and family devotions.

c.. Regard my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and to discipline myself accordingly.

d.. Cultivate Christian kindness, patience and forgiveness, and to guard one another’s reputation, avoiding all gossip.

e.. Pray for and encourage one another regularly.

f.. Care for one another faithfully in times of sickness and distress.

g.. Give my Church a place in my affections and prayers above other organisations, seeking growth both personally and corporately in knowledge and holiness.

h.. Attend faithfully the worship and other meetings of my Church and to participate regularly in training opportunities which it provides.

i.. Give willingly, generously and joyously of my time, talent and money to support and advance the work of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad.

j.. Seek the salvation of my family, friends, neighbours and others with whom I have contact, and to be an example to them by what I do and say.

k.. Unite with another Church as soon as possible, where I can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God’s Word, if ever God should lead me from this place.

“Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength,

I promise that I will strive to do

whatever he would have me do.”

[September 2002]

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