Becoming a Member
For those new to the Christian faith who desire to profess faith in Christ, you are invited to speak with the pastor about your decision. Once you have met and prayed with Pastor Henry, you will be asked to publicly proclaim your faith by coming before the congregation. This act of public proclamation is modeled after Jesus' own calling of his disciples. By coming before the congregation you indicate your intent to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ in fellowship with the New Bethel Baptist community of faith. At this time, you will be introduced to the congregation and your request for membership will be announced. Though not required, it is helpful if you contact the pastor ahead of time to alert him to be expecting you.
If this is the first time you have announced your intent to live as Christ's disciple, we will counsel you about baptism. In short, baptism is a symbol of Christ's death and resurrection. By being baptized, a person indicates their commitment to walk in the newness of life in Christ.
Baptism
Baptize Baptists utilize the mode of immersion in which the candidate is completely lowered beneath the surface of the water in our baptistery. This provides an excellent image to witness our intent to die to sin and live in the newness of life in Christ. Please take time to read Romans 6:4-11 to understand where this image is based in Scripture.
If you have previously professed your faith in Christ and joined another congregation, you may join our church by requesting us to have your former church send a letter of verification that youhave been a member of their congregation. This letter is called a membership transfer.
If your former church no longer maintains a record of your membership or your former church no longer exists, we will accept your good faith statement and receive you into our fellowship.
If your former baptism was by another mode than immersion, we will counsel you about the meaning behind baptism by immersion. If after receiving counsel, you do not feel the need to undergo immersion, it will not be required of you to become a full member.
Formalities
After you present yourself before the congregation, at the next meeting of the Deacon Board, your request for membership will be considered. The Deacons will recommend you to the Church Council, which affirms your membership in New Bethel Baptist Church.
Signing the Membership Register
Signing at the next Communion service you will be asked to affirm your consent to our church covenant by signing the membership register. Following the worship service, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall for people to introduce themselves to you.
These explanations and instructions are given to aid you in understanding the procedure for joining our church. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the pastor at 862-4381.