Church Membership? Do I need to Join a church?

Humility: If you are not already a member of a church, you should be humble enough to join a church. It is not about you or what you can get out of it. It is not about what others can do for you. Church membership is about what you can do for others. Helping others, serving others, and worshiping with others. Membership is about supporting one another in the faith. Fellowship with other believers is crucial to spiritual health and growth. It is not just an attendance thing but an actual involvement and participation.

Attendance/Involvement/Participation: You really should seek to be at your local church anytime the door is open. You can't be a part of something if you are not present. "let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."(Hebrews 10:24-25). The benefits of church membership include: Accountability, Humility, Service, Corporate Worship, Strength, and a Family of Believers.

Prayer: Membership is an asking and expectation to pray for one another and intercede for the good of all. "In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."(Ephesians 6:16-20)

Serving: "[Holding to Jesus Christ], the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God." (Colossians 2:19) "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."(Ephesians 4:15-16, ESV) "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:7-11, ESV)

Giving: "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us." (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Giving is an act of worship, humility, obedience, and faith. This results from a love for Christ, His work, and His people.

Holy Living: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.(James 5:13-15). Your actions in private and in public affect the health of the body. Fight sin by God's grace, be quick confess sin, and ask for help when needed, especially when dealing with sin. Private devotions should include active prayer lives and personal bible study. Public character should reflect the life of Christ.

Outreach/Evangelism: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). You are a missionary sent out by God and the local church into your neighborhood, home, and workplace. We share Christ, embrace, and equip new believers.

Joining A Church: 

Before someone joins Providence Baptist Church we like to ask a few questions first to the person who is interested in becoming a member. Church membership is for Christians only and depending on the church they may require you to be baptized again. I personally do not think a Christian should be re-baptized to join a church as long as they have been biblically baptized, as this is the first act of obedience to Christ. Baptism is not necessary for salvation but I do believe it effects your salvation, because it is  the first act of obedience to Christ. Here are the questions we ask those who are interested in becoming a member. These questions should be asked by the Pastor/Elders so they can evaluate and begin their ministry with that person or family.

*Why do you want to join Providence Baptist Church?
*How did you become a Christian/How were you saved?
*Can you briefly explain the gospel? If so please do.
*Do you know what Providence believes(Doctrinal Standards)?
*Do you know what Providence expects of its members?
*Do you know the goals and mission of Providence Baptist Church?
*Do you have any questions about the church, the Bible, Theology, or Christian living? If so please ask.