We are working through this issues as a church body. This is an information session talking about membership, its importance and the growth cycle for believers.
2. The Baptist Acrostic Biblical authority (Mat 24:35; 1 Pet 1:23; 2 Tim 3:16-17) Autonomy of the local church (Mat 18:15–17; 1 Cor 6:1-3) Priesthood of all believers Two ordinances (believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper) (Act 2:41–47; 1 Cor. 11:23-32) Individual soul liberty Saved church membership (Mat 16:18; Eph 5:23–32; Col 1:18) Two offices of the church (pastor and deacon) Separation of Church and State
4. The Value of local church The real life practice of the “one anothers” The exercise of spiritual gifts for glory of God The development of your faith and relationship with God The working model of interdependence, mutual benefit, and leadership
5. Formal Ceremony Ceremony is important for the partners Ceremony is important for the witnesses Ceremony is highly cultural
6. The Church & the church Universal Church (“Big C” church, catholic, world-wide, global) Local Church (“Little C” church, local, Tabernacle Baptist Church)
7. Local Church (“Little C” church, local, Tabernacle Baptist Church) Regenerated Un-regenerated
8. The Baptist Acrostic Biblical authority (Mat 24:35; 1 Pet 1:23; 2 Tim 3:16-17) Autonomy of the local church (Mat 18:15–17; 1 Cor 6:1-3) Priesthood of all believers Two ordinances (believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper) (Act 2:41–47; 1 Cor. 11:23-32) Individual soul liberty Saved church membership (Mat 16:18; Eph 5:23–32; Col 1:18) Two offices of the church (pastor and deacon) Separation of Church and State
9. The Signals of Regeneration We cannot see the heart We have to look for early fruit Love of the Savior, gospel Love of the Word Love of the brothers, church
11. Membership Coaching We are interested in stranding any runners We are interested in reaching the goal “every member a minister” We will not force runners to advance before they are ready
12. Membership Issues to Avoid Membership as a bragging right, entitlement Membership as an oppression instrument or excuse for abuse Membership as a casual understanding Membership as a forced, coerced decision
15. Some examples to consider Ethopianeunuch (Acts 8:35-39) Philippianjailor (Acts 16:31-34) Thief on cross (Luke 23:39-43) Simon, the Great (Acts 8:12-24) The Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:14-17) Paul (Acts 9:18; 22:13-16) Jesus (Matt 3:13-17; Luk 3:21-22) John (Matt 3:6-12; Mrk 1:8-9; Luk 3:3-9)