Membership 101: Discovering Church

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1. Introduction

 

Why Do We Have This Class?

• To make your membership meaningful
• To help you grow in Christ
• To fulfill God's purpose for the church

The Need for Responsible Church Membership

Brentwood Lighthouse Baptist Church is not interested in just collecting members.
Don't confuse a CROWD with a CHURCH.

There are four different areas of commitment in our church fellowship:

• The COMMUNITY – Uncommitted Persons
• The CROWD – Those committed to attendance
• The CONGREGATION – Those committed to membership
• The CORE – Those committed to ministry

Our goal is to lead as many people as possible from the COMMUNITY to participation in the CORE.

The CORE is defined as RESPONSIBLE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP, and it consists of those persons who have committed their TIME, TALENT and TITHE to the life of Brentwood Lighthouse Baptist Church.

This class is designed to lead you to become a part of the CORE of the church.

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2. Who Am I?

 

How to Become a Christian

 

Recognize Your Situation

1. You Are a Sinner
   "There is no one righteous, not even one..." - Romans 3:10"...Your sins have separated you from your God..." - Isaiah 59:2
2. You Cannot Save Yourself
   "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to evil." - Jeremiah 13:23"For it is by grace you have been saved...it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
3. Christ Is the Only Savior
   "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12
4. Repent of Your Sins
   "I have declared...that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." - Acts 20:21

Receive the Savior

1. God Extends a Call to You..."One of those listening was a woman named Lydia,...The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message." - Acts 16:14
2. God's Call (John 16:8)
   • He will convict of SIN
   • He will convict of RIGHTEOUSNESS
   • He will convict of JUDGEMENT
3. Place Your Faith in Jesus Christ and Accept God's Call "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:13

Is there any reason you could not turn to God in salvation right now?

A Suggested Prayer

Lord...I admit that I am a sinner and that I am in need of your forgiveness and acceptance. I choose now to turn from my sin and give you my life to control. I commit to obey you and your will for my life. I now receive your wonderful gift of salvation. Help me to live for you and to never be ashamed of Christ. Amen.

 

My Faith Story

Please reflect on the following. At the end of class, I'd love to hear your story.

• My Life Before Christ...
• How I Met Jesus Christ...
• My Life Since Christ Became My Lord and Savior...

 

 

What the Bible Teaches About Baptism

The New Testament teaches many things concerning the ordinance of Baptism. Take a look at these important truths from Scripture.

 

Why Be Baptized?

• Because you want to follow Christ's example

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." - Mark 1:9

• Because Christ commanded it

"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.'" - Matthew 28:19-20

• Because it shows you are a believer

"Many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." - Acts 18:8

• Because obeying Christ's command shows you know Him

"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." - I John 2:3

What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

• It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection

"Christ died for our sins...he was buried...and he rose again." - I Corinthians 15:3-4

• It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian

"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" - II Corinthians 5:17

"By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead we also might live a new life!" - Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring—it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

How Are We to Be Baptized?

• Like Jesus was baptized, by being immersed in water

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." - Matthew 3:16

• Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water

"...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." - Acts 8:38-39

The word "Baptize" literally means "to dip under water"

It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection

Who Should Be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay.

"Those who believed...were baptized ...that day!" - Acts 2:41

"Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, 'Look here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The official answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." - Acts 8:36-39 (paraphrase)

There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he or she can and should be baptized.

Will I Have to Say Anything?

Yes...you will be asked to give a public response to questions about your new faith in Jesus. At the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you and briefly lower you just under the water. Then, you will leave the water to watch with the others.

What Else Should I Know?

• We hold baptisms in the baptismal in our Fellowship Hall. There is plenty of room for your friends and relatives, we encourage you to invite them.
• The Pastor will baptize one person at a time, and we try to schedule multiple baptisms for the same day so we can celebrate together.
• Don't be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly identifies themselves as a believer by being baptized.

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3. What Is the Church?

 

Why We Exist (Our Purpose)

Brentwood Lighthouse Baptist Church exists to glorify God by totally committing ourselves to Jesus Christ and to the explosive growth of His kingdom.

The local church is the instrument through which God's family takes part in establishing the kingdom of God in the lives of people in the East County area and around the world. Brentwood Lighthouse Baptist Church emphasizes a balance of five essential functions for Christians to be effective in fulfilling the Great Commission.

The five functions include:

1. WORSHIP - Magnifying Christ
2. FELLOWSHIP - Knowing Christ & Other Believers
3. MATURITY & DISCIPLESHIP - Growing in Christ
4. MINISTRY & SERVICE - Serving Christ
5. MISSIONS & EVANGELISM - Sharing Christ

What We Believe (Our Faith)

About God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and Supreme ruler of heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
References: Gen. 17:1; Ex. 15:11; 20:2-3; Ps. 83:18; 90:2; Jer. 10:10; Matt. 28:19; Jn. 4:24; 10:30; 15:26-27; 17:5; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:6; Phil. 2:5-6; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 4:11.

About the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is a divine person equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the New Birth; that He seals, indwells, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer.
References: Gen. 1:1-3; Matt. 28:19; Lk. 1:35; 24:49; Jn. 3:5,6; 14:16-17, 26; 16:8-11,13; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Rom. 8:14,16, 26-27; Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Thes. 2:7,13.

About the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written (originally) by man supernaturally inspired; that it is truth without any admixture of error in its matter and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of age, the center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
References: Isa. 8:20; Ps. 19:7-11; 119:89,130; Prov. 30:5-6; Lk. 16:31; 24:25-27, 44-45; Jn. 5:39, 45-47.

About Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through the Son of God, who by appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience and by His death made a full and vicarious payment for our sins; that His work consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that having been raised from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven as our advocate, High priest, intercessor, and mediator.
References: Isa. 53:4-12; Matt. 18:11; Jn. 3:16; 10:18; Acts 15:11; Rom: 3:24, 25; 1 Cor. 15:3,4,20; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 2:7,8; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:14,17; 7:25; 8:1; 9:12-15; 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18; 1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10.

About Eternal Security
We believe that the Holy Spirit seals all believers until Christ returns and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
References: Ps. 121:3; Jn. 3:16; 10:28-29; Rom. 8:28, 35-39; Phil. 1:6; Col. 1:21-23; Heb. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:5; 1 Jn. 5:13.

About Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are necessary responses of a person accepting salvation. This will produce an open confession of Christ as our only and all-sufficient Savior.
References: Ps. 51:1-4,7; Mk. 1:15; Lk. 12:8; 18:13; Acts 2:37-38; 20:21; Rom. 10:9-11,13.

About the Church
We believe that the Church, the body of Christ, began at Pentecost and is completed when the Lord Jesus returns to take it to the home He has prepared. Furthermore, we believe that a local Church is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, exercising the gifts of the Spirit for the purpose of encouraging one another. Its ordained officers are Pastors and Deacons whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the scriptures.
References: Matt. 16:18; 28:19-20; Acts 2:41,42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22,23; 20:17-28; 1 Cor. 5:11-13; 6:1-3; 11:2; 12:4,8-11,13; 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 8:23-24; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:11-16; 5:23-24; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Heb. 10:25; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Jude 3,4.

How Is Our Church Governed?

Brentwood Lighthouse Baptist Church is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our church is pastor-led and congregationally governed. Christ is the head of the church. The Pastor serves as Christ's under-shepherd with the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We are supported by Deacons (spiritual servants and ministers to the church) and Trustees (responsible for church property and legal matters).

• The Pastor is called by the congregation and provides spiritual leadership through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
• Deacons serve alongside the Pastor, assisting in ministry and helping to care for members.
• Trustees oversee legal and physical property needs of the church.

Church members vote on important decisions, elect deacons and trustees, and participate in annual and special business meetings.

Types of Membership and Expectations

• Active Members: Attend regularly, give faithfully, and uphold the Constitution. Active members have the right to vote in congregational matters.
• Inactive Members: Those who have not participated in church attendance or giving for six months. They are still loved and pursued but lose voting privileges.
• Absentee Members: Those who cannot attend due to illness, distance, or other reasons but still support the church spiritually and financially.

To become a member, a person must:

• Profess faith in Christ
• Be baptized by immersion
• Attend a membership class or home visit
• Be affirmed by the church

Church Discipline and Restoration

The Bible teaches that church discipline is necessary for maintaining unity, purity, and love within the body of Christ. We follow Matthew 18:15-17 as our model.

If a member engages in unrepentant sin or divisive behavior, the Pastor and Deacons will seek restoration through loving counsel. If needed, further action may be taken with a church vote.

Restoration is always the goal. A member may be reinstated upon the recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons and affirmation by the congregation.

What We Believe About Life, Marriage, and Morality

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4. Working Together

Touching the World

We aim to contribute roughly 10% of annual giving to missions:

• Adams
• Alligner
• CARBC
• Christian Law Assoc.
• Gentry
• Options for Women of CA
• Our Daily Bread Ministries

Our Ministries

• Bible Study: Tues 1PM, Wed 7PM, Thurs (Women) 11:30AM
• Men's Ministry: Monthly breakfasts
• Women's Ministry: Weekly study + events
• Worship: Sundays 11AM + themed Sundays (Communion, Prayer, Testimonials, Praises, Fellowship)

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5. What Can I Do?

You Are a V.I.P.

You are a very important part of the church and the body of Christ. Paul used the analogy of the human body to help us understand the church. Each part of the body is different from all other parts; each part has a unique role without which the body will be less than its potential.

I Corinthians 12:12-13 "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."

Paul taught the obvious--that all the parts of the human body serve important functions.

God has a purpose and service for every Christian. There are no big jobs and little jobs in God's service. All assignments from God are equally important. Serving God is about obedience, not position.

Romans 12:4-5 "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

Where Do I Start?

Make a Membership Commitment:

1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
   • By acting in love toward other members
   • By refusing to gossip
   • By following the leaders

   "So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together." - Romans 15:19"Live in complete harmony with each other each with the attitude of Christ toward each other." - Romans 15:5"Have a sincere love for your fellow believers; love one another earnestly with all your hearts." - I Peter 1:22"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." - Ephesians 4:29"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you." - Hebrews 13:17

2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
   • By praying for the church
   • By inviting the unchurched to attend
   • By warmly welcoming those who visit

   "To the church... we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly." - I Thessalonians 1:2"Go out into the country… and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full." - Luke 14:23"So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified." - Romans 15:7

3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
   • By discovering my gifts and talents
   • By being equipped to serve by my pastors
   • By developing a servant's heart

   "Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you..." - 1 Peter 4:10"God gave… some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up…" - Ephesians 4:11-12"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ… who took on the very nature of a servant…" - Philippians 2:3-4, 7

4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
   • By attending faithfully
   • By living a godly life
   • By giving regularly

   "Let us not give up the habit of meeting together… but let us encourage one another." - Hebrews 10:25"But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ." - Philippians 1:27"A tenth of all you produce is the Lord's, and it is holy." - Leviticus 27:30"Bring your whole tithe to the storehouse. Test me in this," says the Lord, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you won't have room enough for it! I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will be protected from plagues." - Malachi 3:10

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6. Membership Covenant

1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
   • By acting in love toward other members
   • By refusing to gossip
   • By following the leaders
2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
   • By praying for the church
   • By inviting the unchurched to attend
   • By warmly welcoming those who visit
3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
   • By discovering my gifts and talents
   • By being equipped to serve by my pastors
   • By developing a servant's heart
4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
   • By attending faithfully
   • By living a godly life
   • By giving regularly

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7. Common Questions About Membership (FAQ)

Do I have to be baptized again if I was baptized as a child?

We believe baptism is for believers, by immersion, following personal salvation. If your baptism came before your decision to trust Christ, we recommend being baptized again in obedience to Christ.

What if I don’t agree with everything in the Constitution?

We ask that all members uphold the Constitution and Doctrinal Statement. You don’t need to understand every nuance, but you should be in agreement with our core teachings and practices.

Can I still attend even if I’m not ready for membership?

Absolutely! You are welcome to worship, grow, and participate in many aspects of church life while prayerfully considering membership.

What if I move or stop attending?

We can assist you in transferring membership to another Bible-believing church or update your status if you move away. If attendance or giving stops for 6 months, you may be placed on the inactive list, but restoration is always available.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about becoming a member?

Please speak with the Pastor or any Deacon—we would love to help!

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WE INVITE YOU TO COMMIT TO GOD AND TO BLBC TODAY!