Becoming a member

 

Is Membership Biblical…Why should I join?

Where does the Bible speak of being a member of a local church?

  • The Bible infers two kinds of members.
  • At the instant of our conversion, we become “positional members” in the universal church of Jesus Christ, based solely on His merit and grace. If you are a Christ-follower, then you are already this member. This is eternal and unchanging.
  • The Bible also assumes those “positional members” become deeply involved in the participation of a local assembly.
  • Hence, we become “Participating Members” of Sunnyvale First Baptist Church, recognizing that we are also positionally members of the body of Christ at large.

What are the membership requirements?

To be a member a person must:

  • Profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
  • Be baptized by immersion
  • Attend the New Member Orientation, not required, but highly recommended.
  • Be approved by 75 percent of the members present and voting in a regular business meeting.

Are There Different Ways to Become a Member?

Yes, there are several ways people join Sunnyvale First Baptist Church:

  • By professing faith in Jesus Christ and following Him in water baptism by full immersion.
  • By transferring your “membership letter” from another Southern Baptist Church
  • By your statement of faith in Christ, and baptism by immersion after salvation in another church
  • By statement from another denomination that does not practice baptism by immersion. This is a statement of your faith in Christ and willingness to be baptized by immersion.

How do I become a candidate for membership?

At Sunnyvale, members are not just names in a database, they are the core of the church committed to discipleship lived out in our community. Members here are devoted “to the fellowship” to a specific local body as described in Acts 2:42.

  • Being a part of a loving family of believers who are committed to becoming a New Testament community of faith.
  • Discovering, developing and using your gifts to build God’s Kingdom.
  • Being used by God to change lives and communities through the power of the gospel.
  • Living a meaningful, purposeful and abundant life promised by Christ.
  • Having opportunities for personal growth.
  • Being esteemed for service in the ministry.

What are the expectations of members?

We expect our members to:

  • Commit to a life-long process of growing in the likeness of Christ and spiritual maturity through prayer, Bible study, service and worship.
  • Be involved with other members in worship.
  • Encourage and disciple others to maturity in Christ.
  • Identify and consistently exercise spiritual gifts in the church and community through ministry.
  • Be willing to tell others about your relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Live your life so that God is glorified and honored.
  • Support our mission, vision and long-term goals through prayer, attendance and stewardship of time, talents and resources.

 

For more information about membership, contact the church office.