Church Membership

Baptist view church membership as a voluntary matter.  One joins a church because he or she has become a Christian and shares the beliefs and goals of the congregation.  They willingly join themselves to like minded people.  If some cannot agree with us on key beliefs, they are not excluded.  At PDBC, these people are invited to come under our "watchcare" and receive our love and ministry.  However, if being a member of a civic organization or a political party or a garden club carries certain expectations, certainly church membership should mean something, too.  Below is our understanding of what the Bible teaches concerning church membership.

 

The Principle of Church Membership

 

According to Jesus' commandment, Christians are to associate themselves together in local congregations.  Such a fellowship is composed of Jesus' true disciples, who have experienced the new birth.  It is evident by these persons' professions and lifestyle that they have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

 

In joining a local church, believers unite with the rest of the congregation by covenant.  Church members willingly commit to walk together, giving themselves to the Lord, and to one another.  This covenant admits them to the privileges of the church, and in it they also place themselves under its discipline and government.  The Lord Jesus is the head of the Church and each congregation is to operate according to His laws.

 

Until Jesus comes again, the local church is a "colony of heaven" (Philippians 3:20) and is a fellowship with a mission.  The central purpose of the church is to honor and glorigy God; the central task of the church is to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ throught evangelism and missions.  Only those who have a relationship with Christ, who share His message, and support that mission should join.

 

Duties and Expections of Church Members

 

To have a relationship with Jesus Christ

 

To have followed Jesus in believer's baptism

 

To live for Jesus and to grow spiritually

 

To be faithful in Christian fellowship, faithfully supporting the services of the church

 

To share the doctrine, mission, and vision of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church

 

To support the work of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church with tithes and offerings

 

To help win Abilene to Jesus Christ