Church membership is an essential aspect of a church that is healthy. The
Bible lays the principles that lead us to church membership as a means for the
local body’s nurturing, protection, and edification. Songtan Central Baptist
Church uses a three step process that leads to becoming a member of the church.
Membership Class
Anyone desiring to join the church must complete our Membership Class. The class
is 1 ½ hours and meets for 3 sessions. In this class, we will discuss such
topics as SCBC’s Statement of Faith, membership expectations/responsibilities,
church discipline, and the church’s history.
These classes are normally offered once a quarter and are held on Sunday nights.
When this class obligation has been fulfilled, the prospective member, if still
desired, may request to be interviewed for membership.
Interview
The membership interview is the second part of the process. In this step, the
person desiring to join the church meets with a pastor to share his/her general
background and testimony of God’s salvific work in his/her life. This meeting
usually takes less than an hour. Once this personal interview takes place, the
pastor shares the testimony to the rest of the pastoral staff for recommendation
and affirmation of membership.
Congregational Acknowledgement
The third and final step occurs during a congregational meeting. At this
meeting, the pastor gives a short introduction of those requesting membership.
Questions are issued to the candidates publicly, the congregation affirms its
responsibility, and the candidates are welcomed into membership.