Do not wait for some outward demonstration of God’s presence. You should not delay until you “feel” like you are saved. We have the promise of God that if we trust His Son He will save us.

You can do that right now by saying to the Lord, “I Will,” and mean it with all your willpower. Then, make it known by walking down the aisle when the invitation to membership is given at the close of the service. You have the promise of our Lord, “and him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out” John 6:37. Jesus will receive you and so will we.

Following this decision, in the near future you will be baptized (immersed) into the fellowship of our church.

SECOND – IF YOU BELONG TO ANOTHER BAPTIST CHURCH

Every Christian should have his church membership in the area where he resides. Since church membership is essentially fellowship one can only be in true fellowship where he can worship and serve regularly. Thus we invite you to come forward during the invitation hymn to unite with us by Letter. You will fill out a membership card, and we will write to your home church for your Church Letter. This is called “Joining by Letter.”

THIRD – IF YOU QUESTION YOUR ABILITY TO FURNISH A LETTER

Often and for various reasons this is the case. Perhaps your home church was destroyed or it disbanded, and membership records are not available. You may have brought your letter with you, but have lost it. Or perhaps you have been away so long that you fear your name has been removed from the roll. Or once a Baptist you joined another denomination, but wish to return to our fellowship. If for any reason which leads you to doubt your ability to secure a church letter, and if any of these fit your situation, none should delay your coming into our fellowship.

When the invitation is given come forward, say that you wish to Join by Statement, express briefly to the Pastor the circumstances, and request active membership. This simply means that we accept you on your statement, that you have been born again, have had scriptural baptism, and now wish to renew your fellowship through a reconsecration of your life to Christ and His church.

FOURTH – IF YOU BELONGED TO ANOTHER DENOMINATION

It is not our purpose to recruit members from other denominations. However, for those who wish to join First Baptist Church and believe as we do please consider the following:

Baptists believe that we are saved by placing our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross to save us from sin (I Peter 1:18-19). We further believe that New Testament baptism is by immersion and is reserved for believers only. It is not a sacrament, but a symbol of our death to sin, the burial of the old man and resurrection of the new man in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:4-6). It pictures our faith in Him alone for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). Baptists do not believe that baptism saves or washes away sin. There are some denominations that believe as we do as to the mode and meaning of baptism. We will accept persons by statements that come from denominations that are similar in doctrine and practice. We receive those coming from denominations that differ in doctrine and practice as candidates for baptism upon the basis of their profession of knowing Christ. Please feel free to ask to visit with one of our Pastors to discuss your particular situation.

FIFTH – IF YOU ARE STILL UNCERTAIN

If we have not covered your situation and you still have questions, may we suggest that you arrange for a conference with our Pastor? He will be glad to counsel with you so that you may find a full and useful fellowship in Christian service with us. To consider your individual case, make an appointment with the Pastor.