At Hope Bible Church (HBC), we consider church membership to be very important to the life of the local church. It is one of the many blessings that our Lord Jesus, the head of the church, has graciously given to the local church for its health and mission. If you would like to be a member at HBC, then the following requirements will need to take place:
1. CONVERSION
The first step to becoming a member of HBC is to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. To become a believer necessitates hearing and believing the gospel, which is the good news that Jesus died for sinners. To receive forgiveness of sin and everlasting life a person must repent of sin and place the gift of saving faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15; John 3:16; 17:3; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 15:1-11; 1 Thess. 1:9).
Conversion is followed by a fruitful life produced by the Holy Spirit evidencing true regeneration (new birth) all to the glory of God (John 3:3, 5; 1 Cor. 10:31; Gal. 5:22-23; Titus 3:5-7). Since a person who repents of their sin and continually trusts in Christ for salvation instantly becomes a member of the body of Christ (the “invisible church”), the logical implication is that they will join the local church (the “visible church”) for edification, the practice of the one-another’s, the use of spiritual gifts; and the accountability, instruction, and protection provided by a plurality of qualified elders (Rom. 12:1-21; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:1-16; Col. 3:1-17; 1 Thess. 5:12-22; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 13:17).
2. BELIEVER’S BAPTISM
The second step to becoming a member of HBC is having undergone believer’s baptism. This is the first step of obedience to Christ after conversion since it is one of the ordinances given by the Lord Jesus who is the head of the church (Matthew 28:18-20).
We believe that baptism is by immersion and follows conversion as recorded in Scripture, evidenced through biblical grammar, and the study of early church history (Matt. 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 2:41; 4:4; 8:12-13, 35-39; 9:17-19; 10:44-48; 16:14-15; 30-33; 19:1-7; 1 Cor. 1:14-17). We believe that this visible act of obedience to Christ is an outward, post-conversion demonstration symbolizing the secret, invisible, inward work of regeneration performed by the Holy Spirit (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-31; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:26-27; Titus 3:5-7). As result of this conviction, we do not admit or perform infant baptism, and we further reject the doctrine of baptismal regeneration, or spontaneous baptisms.
We believe that although baptism does not save, it does reveal a person’s love, loyalty, allegiance, and union with the Lord Jesus Christ and His people, the church (Matt. 5:11; 10:32; Acts 5:41; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Pet. 4:14). Also, it displays a life of forsaking and abandoning one’s former way of life and commitment to walk in the newness of life in Christ (Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-39; Rom. 6:1-11; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).
This ordinance is to be performed within the context of the local church by biblically qualified pastor(s). There are exceptions which may be taken into consideration by the elders on a case-by-case basis. For example, if someone is physically incapable of being immersed, their desire is indicative of and meets the qualifications for baptism. Additionally, Scripture does not define a specific age requirement for baptism or local church membership since it is predicated by the same convictions specified above. The elders along with the parents of any child seeking baptism, through careful discernment and agreement, will assess and decide.
Finally, participation in our membership class must take place to learn about our position on the local church, doctrine, mission statement and values. During this time participants will receive a membership application. Once the application is completed, submitted and reviewed, the next step will be an interview with the elders of HBC. This is to ensure that you are a genuine follower of Christ in good standing. Once the elders agree, a right hand of fellowship will follow during one of our services to covenant and welcome you into HBC membership.
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