First Baptist Church of Jackson, Missouri
Monday, May 20, 2013
Where the Word of God Becomes a Way of Life

How To Join

Why Join?

Worship, Sunday School, Discipleship classes and ministries of First Baptist Church are open to everyone. 
You do not need to be a member to participate.  Visitors, regardless of belief, are always welcome at our services and ministries.  Membership is, however, a higher commitment.  It might be the right thing for you, and we'd love to talk to you about it.  If you have questions, call us at 573-243-8415.

Joining First Baptist Church

Why Join? 

There are several reasons to join First Baptist Church.  First, we all need to make commitments.  Church membership is a relationship, and all relationships require commitment.  Being a partner in this ministry will challenge you in greater ways than being merely a participant or spectator.

Second, some aspects of leadership are restricted to members.  Baptist churches are governed by the members, under the Lord's leadership, and you must be a member to vote on crucial decisions concerning the church's future.  Also, you must be a member to serve on committees, teach, or lead ministries.

Third, and most importantly, because the Lord wants you to.  If the Lord tells you to join, then that is the very best reason to do so.

What Are the Requirements?

  •  You must be a born-again Christian, having truly accepted Christ as Savior and Lord.  (If you are unsure of what we mean, please see the page entitled "Heaven.")
  • You must have been Scripturally baptized (by immersion, non-sacramentally),
  • You must be in agreement with Baptist beliefs.
  • You must be willing to live an exemplary life.

Three Ways to Join

Baptism

If you have accepted Christ as Savior and are in agreement with Baptist beliefs, you may become a member through baptism.  Baptism is by total immersion in water.  It is only for those who have made a personal commitment to Christ (thus, no infant baptism).  It is a symbol which tells the world that we have been united with Christ by faith in his life, death and resurrection (Romans 6:4).

  • Those wishing to be baptized should come forward at the end of a worship service during the invitation.  The church will gladly welcome you and you will be instructed in the meaning of baptism.
  • Note: What is an invitation?  At the end of our worship services, we invite anyone who would like to make a public decision to come forward.  People come forward to accept Christ as Savior, join the church, pray, make a public recommitment of their life to Christ, or to commit themselves to Christian ministry. 

Transfer of Membership (Letter) 

If you are already a member of a church of "like faith and order" (usually meaning another Baptist church), you may join by transfer of membership, and without being re-baptized.  Just come forward during the invitation and the Pastor will present you for membership.  The church will then write to your former church and ask them to transfer your membership to us.  If you have questions whether your previous church is "of like faith and order," please contact our Pastor .

Statement of Faith and Baptism

If you were a member of another church of like faith and order, but your membership records were lost for some reason, you may join by statement.  We will simply take your word for it.

Also, if your membership is from a non-Southern Baptist church, but is similar in doctrine, you might be able to join by letter or statement.  This includes many Bible churches, General Baptist churches, and other denominations where the doctrine of baptism is Trinitarian, non-sacramental baptism of believers by immersion.  If you can affirm the basic doctrines of the church and have been Scripturally baptized, you can join without re-baptism.

Joining the Sunday School

You do not need to be a church member to join the Sunday School; in fact, you do not even need to be a Christian!  Sunday School membership is for anyone who is willing to be considered a part of a Bible study class.  Anyone who wants to learn about the Bible is encouraged to attend or join.  There are several advantages of membership:

  1. Communication.  You will be kept informed on what the class is doing, such as special events or activities.
  2. Commitment.  The class will minister to you.  By becoming a part of a small group Bible study, you will build relationships.  These people want to be your friends. 
  3. Opportunity.  As a member of the class, you will have more opportunities to be a blessing to others.

If you are interested in becoming a member of a Sunday School class, please contact our office, the class teacher, or director.

Joining Other Groups

You are welcome at First Baptist Church!  Worship, Sunday school, discipleship classes, small groups, senior adult, youth, children, preschool, single, college and career, and all other ministries are open to members and non-members alike!  In most cases, all you have to do is show up (some classes require signup, so materials can be ordered).  If you are a member of another denomination, you are welcome.  If you are not even a believer, but are interested in what we have to say, you are welcome!  You do us a great honor by participating with us, and we will do our best to minister to you.

If you feel led to join, call us at 573-243-8415, and we will make it happen!