Joining a church can be a little intimidating if you aren't sure what to do. First Baptist Church requires three things for membership:
Every member must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What does it takes for a person to have peace with God and the assurance of eternal life? If you have never invited Jesus Christ to come into your life to be your personal Lord and Savior, we encourage you to make that decsion. This is the most important choice you will ever make, and God will secure your eternal relationship and peace with Him. The booklet Steps to Peace with God, available at our Information Center and Reception area, explains God’s plan of salvation. Feel free to pick up
a copy. Ministers and Decision Encouragers are available each Sunday morning at Reception to talk with you and help you understand your decision. Also, to speak with someone weekdays during office hours or by appointment, please call 322-5104.
Second, every member must follow the Lord in Believer's Baptism.
As soon as you come to know Christ personally, or if you have already received Him but never followed Him in believer’s baptism, you may continue the membership process by being baptized. First West recognizes believer’s baptism as a requirement for membership. We also appreciate the value of other denominations and welcome those from other church backgrounds to be a part of our Church.
For help, you may come to Reception at the close of any Sunday morning worship service and talk with a Minister or Encourager about your decision. You may also contact or come by the Church Office during regular office hours to share your decision or to ask questions.
For information about baptism or to confirm a date and time to be baptized, please call 322-5730.
Membership by Letter:If you are coming to our church from another Southern Baptist church, you may begin the membership process by letter, which is simply a note from your previous church that states you were a member there. With your permission, we will contact your former church and provide all the paperwork.
Membership by Statement:Sometimes people join our church from other denominations. Perhaps they have not been involved in church for some time and feel their former church would not have a record of membership. If you are already a Christian and have followed the Lord in believer’s baptism, you may begin the membership process by statement. “By statement” simply means you know Christ and have been baptized.
The third prerequisite for church membership at First West is attending our Connect Class. We feel that you should truly understand our heart and vision before you join First West, and the Connect Class is designed to help you have a clear understanding of your new church family. This class meets several times throughout the year. Dates and times will be announced on the Connect Class web page, through mail, on screens during worship services, in the worship folder, in Wednesday night supper announcements, and L.I.F.E. Group announcements. You may also call 322-5029 for more information.
We recommend that you join a LIFE Group as soon as possible. Through these small-group Bible studies, you’ll find Learning, Involvement, Friendship and Encouragement. Church staff and members will be happy to assist you
in finding a group where you’ll meet others of a similar age or stage in life. LIFE Groups are available for all ages, from preschool to senior adults. Information is available at the Information Center and Reception
or by calling 322-5029.
First West’s Ministry Teams provide an opportunity for members to use their God-given gifts and talents by serving others. These groups are another great way to get better acquainted with those who share common interests. We encourage you to be a part of a ministry team because part of being a member of First Baptist Church is serving. For more information, call 322-5656.
For other general questions about membership, please call 322-5730
Every member must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What does it takes for a person to have peace with God and the assurance of eternal life? If you have never invited Jesus Christ to come into your life to be your personal Lord and Savior, we encourage you to make that decsion. This is the most important choice you will ever make, and God will secure your eternal relationship and peace with Him. The booklet Steps to Peace with God, available at our Information Center and Reception area, explains God’s plan of salvation. Feel free to pick up
a copy. Ministers and Decision Encouragers are available each Sunday morning at Reception to talk with you and help you understand your decision. Also, to speak with someone weekdays during office hours or by appointment, please call 322-5104.
