Baptism introduces us to membership in a Baptist Church. We are called “Baptist” because of our historical connection to requiring that all members be baptized by immersion as adults, that is, old enough to know what you are doing. It is a basic requirement of membership and no one is admitted into church membership who has not been baptized by immersion either by this church or by a church in complete agreement with us, usually another Baptist Church.

Membership has it’s privileges. At least that is what is said. As Baptists membership means that you can vote at business meetings, serve in leadership positions such as committees, and participate in ministries, such as mission trips, as a representative of the church. Members are responsible to determine policies, vision, ministries, and mission of the church. Members decide and participate in how church is done here.

Membership is a biblical concept. Jesus chose the members of His disciples from a group of candidates and called them out by name. He later sent out another group to help His disciples and, even though we do not know all the names, we know there were exactly seventy of them. This suggests some kind of membership requirements. The early church also kept lists of names and selected deacons and elders based on strict membership requirements. One day, in heaven, a book will be opened containing the names of those who are members of Heaven and only those whose names are there will be admitted.

Baptism is a simple requirement but not a light one. Baptism reflects a heart surrendered to Christ in salvation. Membership in a church is perhaps the smallest benefit of Baptism, compared to salvation, but an important one nevertheless.

Bro. Robin