Why do we encourage membership?

We believe that membership is an important way for you to identify your commitment and involvement to the FB Cornwall family. It is also one of the important ways that you can acknowledge your commitment to its mission and direction. In doing so, it helps us to clarify the church’s responsibility to you as a follower of Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to be a member of First Baptist Cornwall?

Many people begin their involvement at FB Cornwall by becoming “constituents”. They connect in a variety of serving and participating opportunities. There is usually a basic understanding of personal belief or commitment required.

Membership then is the way that we officially identify ourselves with a local community of Christ’s church. It involves additional opportunities including mutual commitment and accountability to the church body, the privilege to hold certain offices plus the legal privilege of voting and its responsibility, in addition to the benefits and privileges of constituency.

At FB Cornwall we see four reasons for membership:

A Biblical Reason: Christ established his church. The New Testament shows us that from its earliest days each church had identified participants, leaders and roles. Churches had clear requirements for what a person must believe and do to join this community, to be a leader in it and to remain a part of it.

A Cultural Reason: It is an antidote to our society where our self oriented culture may teach us to avoid commitment. Membership swims against the current of today’s “consumer religion”. It challenges us to realize our place and fit in a larger community.

A Practical Reason: For accountability. Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrolment. Membership is a logical requirement for functional accountability in this local ‘body.’

A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament places a major emphasis on our need to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. It’s difficult to be accountable when you’re not fully committed to any specific church family.

What is expected of a member?

At FBC we never ask our members to do more than the Bible teaches. We expect members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in the Membership Covenant.

FBC Membership Covenant (short version)

“Having received Christ as my Lord and Saviour and been baptized, and being in agreement with FB Cornwall’s statements, strategy and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the First Baptist Church Cornwall family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:”

I will protect the unity of the church

• By acting in love toward other members

• By refusing to gossip

• By respecting/following the ministry leaders.

• By praying for its growth

• By inviting those who are unchurched to attend

• By warmly welcoming those who visit I will serve the church.

• By discovering my gifts and talents

• By being equipped to serve

• By developing a servant’s heart

• By attending/participating/engaging faithfully

• By living a godly life

• …By giving and supporting regularly

How can I become a member?

• Attend a New Comers Orientation class/lunch to become acquainted with the purpose, beliefs, organization and history of our church.

• Be baptised by immersion. We believe that God’s word clearly

teaches believer’s baptism. It is is a command of our Lord and is

a step of obedience in identifying publicly with Jesus Christ.

• Complete an Application for Membership.

• Interview with two church Board members. Informally share how you have come to follow Jesus and ask any questions you have about the church, its teaching and structure etc.

• Following an interview, all names of those applying for membership are submitted to the Church Board and then the Church Membership for approval. At one of our Sunday services, we will welcome those who have been approved for membership, usually at the celebration of the Lord’s Table.