What I Teach at Our New Membership Class

New Membership Class – Expectations

Our covenant involves seven expectations of every church member.

As a member, I commit to the body of Christ, the church (1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-5). As a member at West Bradenton Baptist Church, I will fulfill the following expectations:

1. I will worship the one true God with other West Bradenton Baptist church members for as long as I am physically able (Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:1). The goal of my regular weekly worship is to give God glory (Romans 11:36; Hebrews 13:15).
2. I will grow spiritually through regular involvement in groups and classes at West Bradenton Baptist Church in addition to regular personal devotional times. I understand the purpose of these groups and classes is building community with other believers and holding each other accountable (Acts 2:44-47; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. I will serve Christ through the mission work of West Bradenton Baptist Church. I am created to serve others through good works (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). I am commanded by God to make disciples of every nation, tribe, people and language through the local church (Matthew 28:16-20; Revelation 7:9). I will support the church’s mission to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel (Acts 1:8).
4. I will give to God abundantly and joyfully, recognizing God as the owner of all things (Proverbs 3:9; Psalm 24:1). Giving my tithe and time to God brings me closer to Him (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:19-24).
5. I will seek unity with other church members. I recognize God’s design for the church is unity in diversity, and I will put the interests of others above my personal preferences (Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Peter 3:8-9). I will guard the reputation of the church and submit to discipline for any sin problems in my life (Matthew 18:15-20).
6. I will pray for and follow the leadership of West Bradenton Baptist Church (Hebrews 13:17-18). I will pray privately and with the church corporately. I will pray for people to accept Christ, and I will pray for more disciples to grow.
7. I will sacrifice by serving first, following the servant model of Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45). I will make my attitude that of Christ and through humility make the gospel my priority (Philippians 2:5-11).

RELATED: Increasing Church Membership

At the end of every new membership class, we ask those who want to join to consider four questions. These questions provide the filter for membership. In order not to put anyone on the spot in the moment, we follow up that week with those who attended the new members class.

• Do you trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
• Have you been baptized by immersion?
• Are you in general agreement with the doctrine in our statement of faith?
• Are you willing to fulfill the seven expectations in our covenant?

This article on our new membership class originally appeared here.