Discovering Church Membership. Membership CLASS 101

Transcription

1 Discovering Church Membership Membership CLASS 101

2 WELCOME TO DISCOVERING CHURCH MEMBERSHIP We re glad you ve chosen to find out more about Oak Grove Baptist Church! This class is the basic introduction to our church family. Since we have members from many different church backgrounds, this class was designed to clearly explain who and what our church is. THE REASONS FOR THIS CLASS God s GOD S DESIGN FOR FOLLOWERS OF JESUS That we commit ourselves to and to a WHAT MAKES OAK GROVE A FAMILY? Five things unite us: Our Salvation (What God has done for us) Our Statement (Why we exist as a church) Our Strategy (How we fulfill our mission) Our Structure (How leadership works and decisions are made) Our Standard (Expectations of Each Member) 1

3 Session One Our Salvation You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:

4 UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL As a church, we have a common salvation. In order to be a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, you must be a child of God. This is a family of those who have been saved by Jesus Christ. So, we want to take a few moments to discuss salvation. I. SIN HAS DISTORTED GOD S DESIGN AND CORRUPTED EVERYTHING God created the world good and beautiful but everything changed in a moment when Adam and Eve sinned, they ushered sin, death, and evil into our world. Nothing escapes sin s horrific effects: For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Cursed is the ground because of you Genesis 3:17 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:20-22 II. BUT GOD DESIRES TO RESCUE HIS CREATION He is not content to leave things as they are but desires to rescue the world from sin and return creation to its original design (look at Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22: picture of creation and recreation)- God is making all things new! God does this through Jesus: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 God s plan to save the world from sin is Jesus and His cross. Notice that He is concerned to redeem all of creation! III. WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ME? Because of sin, we are in trouble. The Bible says that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). God hates sin. He is holy and just; therefore, His character demands that sin be punished and paid for. But God s solution for us is the same as it is for the whole world: Jesus. God sent Jesus, the 2 nd person of the Trinity and God s Son, to die for us on a cross, taking our place and paying for our sin. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 This is what is meant by substitutionary atonement: Jesus took our place to pay for our sin! 3

5 III. IV. CHRISTIANITY S THE HEART OF THE MESSAGE GOSPEL: IS UNIQUE: WE ARE IT S SAVED ALL BY ABOUT GRACE GRACE THROUGH FAITH For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2: WE ARE SAVED BY. Grace simply means: God s. God is giving us what we do not deserve, cannot earn, and will never be able to repay! 2. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH. "If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is your Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 3. WORKS DO NOT SAVE US BUT THEY ARE A OF FAITH. Faith without works is dead. James 2:17 This is why we must examine ourselves! V. WHAT RESPONSE IS NEEDED: FAITH & REPENTANCE Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 The Promise: Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 4

6 The Symbols of Our Salvation: Baptism & Communion THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BAPTIZED I. WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? 1. TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:9 2. BECAUSE CHRIST IT. Jesus said, Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to do all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28: IT DEMONSTRATES THAT I REALLY AM A...and many hearing, believed, and were baptized. Acts 18:8 4. IT ME WITH CHRIST AND THE CHURCH. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body. 1 Corinthians 12:13 II. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM? 1. IT ILLUSTRATES CHRIST S AND RESURRECTION Christ died for our sins... He was buried...and He rose again. 1 Corinthians 15: IT ILLUSTRATES MY AS A CHRISTIAN. Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 5

7 III. WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION? BECAUSE WAS BAPTIZED THAT WAY. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Matthew 3:16 EVERY BAPTISM IN THE WAS BY IMMERSION. (Example)...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water... Acts 8:38-39 THE WORD BAPTIZE MEANS TO WATER. The Greek word baptizo means, to immerse or dip under water. IT BEST SYMBOLIZES AND! IV. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED? EVERY PERSON WHO HAS IN CHRIST. Those who accepted His message were baptized... Acts 2:41 Simon himself believed and was baptized... Acts 8:13 At Oak Grove, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. At Oak Grove, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many were confirmed as children. V. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED? AS SOON AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED! Those who gladly received His word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 2:41 BAPTISM IS NOT FOR SALVATION, BUT BECAUSE OF SALVATION DELAYED, BUT IMMEDIATE OPTIONAL, BUT COMMANDED 6

8 THE MEANING OF THE LORD S SUPPER Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the church two visible symbols (called ordinances ) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are: Baptism and the Lord s Supper. The Lord s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers. I. WHAT IS THE LORD S SUPPER? (1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-26) 1. IT IS A...and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. (vs. 24) 2. IT IS A In the same way, He took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. (vs. 25) 3. IT IS A For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until He comes. (vs. 26) II. WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD S SUPPER? Only those who are already (Mark 14:22-26) For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself. 2 Corinthians 11:29 III. HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD S SUPPER? Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 By Self Examination, Confession of Sins (1 John 1:9), Recommitment (Romans 12:1), Restoration of Relationships (Matthew 5:23-24) IV. WHEN AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE OBSERVE THE LORD S SUPPER? The Bible does not say! Anytime you hear a rule like, you ought to take the Lord s Supper every Sunday, it is a man-made rule. At Oak Grove we observe the Lord s Supper once a quarter on Sunday mornings and often on Sunday nights. (See also Titus 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 5:17) 7

9 Session Two The Oak Grove Statements I appeal to you brothers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly unified in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10 8

10 WHY WE EXIST AS A CHURCH They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 VISION STATEMENT Our vision: To Glorify God by Fulfilling the Great C in the spirit of the Great C through ministries and missions MISSION STATEMENT 1. C the greatness of God 2. C to one another 3. C to the mission of God 3 Environments to live out these purposes: 1. (Sunday mornings) 2. (Sunday mornings or during the week) 3. (various committees, ministries, mission groups, mission trips, etc.) 9

11 OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH What We Believe In essential beliefs we have unity. There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all... Ephesians 4:4-6 In non-essential beliefs we have liberty. Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Romans 14:1,4,12,22 In all our beliefs we show charity....if I can fathom all mystery and knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2 1. ABOUT GOD OUR BELIEFS: God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14 2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13 10

12 3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18 4. ABOUT THE BIBLE The Bible is God s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5 5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS People are made in the image of God. People are the supreme object of God s creation. Therefore, every human being possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christ-like love. Man chose to sin and introduced sin s consequence to mankind and creation at large. Therefore, every person is born with a sinful nature. In other words, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates people from God because God is holy. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2 6. ABOUT SALVATION Salvation is God s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. 11

13 Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5 7. ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. 8. ABOUT ETERNITY Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5 People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. 9. ABOUT CHURCH John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 The Church is both local and universal. The local church is made up of baptized believers who worship and fellowship together in a community. The universal church is composed of all believers from all time. All believers are commanded to be a part of a local fellowship. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Acts 2; Gal 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 11:

14 Session Three The Oak Grove Strategy And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ (fully mature). And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Colossians 1:

15 5 CIRCLES OF COMMITMENT 14

16 OAK GROVE S STRATEGY FOR GROWTH Remember the MISSION: Celebrate, Connect, Commit Get plugged into the 3 environments: Worship, Small Group, Ministry Go through class (these are STEPS) MEMBERSHIP CLASS 101: Connecting people to Oak Grove. AN OVERVIEW CLASSES MATURITY CLASS 201: Helping people connect to others and learn to celebrate God s greatness through daily spiritual disciplines. MINISTRY CLASS 301: Helping people understand their gifts so they can commit to ministry. MISSION CLASS 401: Helping people commit to the mission of God daily. 15

17 Two Important Points: 1. The classes are not ends in themselves. They are! 2. These classes are for transformation, not information; therefore, we have covenants for these classes as a way of helping you hold yourself accountable. THE FOUR OAK GROVE COVENANTS: 1. THE MEMBERSHIP COVENANT... is a commitment to and 2. THE MATURITY COVENANT... is a commitment to daily spiritual disciplines that will help me connect with God, grow, and better celebrate God s greatness daily. 3. THE MINISTRY COVENANT... is a commitment to discovering and using my God-given gifts and abilities in God and others. 4. THE MISSIONS COVENANT... is a commitment to live on for Jesus. WHY DO WE HAVE THESE COVENANTS? WE BECOME WHAT WE ARE. 16

18 Session Four The Oak Grove Structure For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace... Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:33,40 17

19 HOW OUR CHURCH IS STRUCTURED THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH DETERMINES ITS STRUCTURE. I. THE CHURCH IS A Every member is a. Our church is rule. II. THE CHURCH IS A Sheep need a. Sheep need someone to them. What is the role of the pastors? To the saints for the of the ministry. Sheep need someone to for them. Our Pastors: Rev. Jim Testerman, Pastor (jimbtesterman@gmail.com) Rev. Trey Wooton, Minister to Children & Students (trey@oakgrovebaptist.com) Rev. Richard Weih, Minister to Senior Adults & Pastoral Care (richard@oakgrovebaptist.com) Rev. Adam Lewandowski, Minister of Music & Worship (adam@oakgrovebaptist.com) **We can be reached at the church office at III. THE CHURCH IS THEREFORE, WE WITH OTHER Oak Grove Baptist Church is associated with three groups of churches: The Susquehanna Baptist Association ( The Susquehanna Baptist Association consists of the Southern Baptist Churches in Harford and Cecil counties. It is one of twelve Associations that comprise the Baptist Convention of Maryland / Delaware. The Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware ( Southern Baptist churches that fellowship together and work together to reach and disciple people in Maryland and Delaware The Southern Baptist Convention ( 18

20 WHAT IS THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION? Since its organization in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has grown to over 16 million members who worship in more than 42,000 churches in the United States. Southern Baptists sponsor about 5,000 home missionaries serving the United States, Canada, Guam and the Caribbean, as well as sponsoring more than 5,000 foreign missionaries in 153 nations of the world. The term "Southern Baptist Convention" refers to both the denomination and its annual meeting. Working through 1,200 local associations and 41 state conventions and fellowships, Southern Baptists share a common bond of basic Biblical beliefs and a commitment to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world. WHY NOT JUST BE AN INDEPENDENT CHURCH? We are an independent church! Every SBC church is completely independent. There is no denominational control or hierarchy, as there are in most other denominations. Each church is self-governed and determines its own affairs. For example: Every SBC church chooses its own pastor Every SBC church owns its own buildings and assets Every SBC church determines its own programs WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AFFILIATING WITH THE SBC? 1. It allows us to identify with other Christians around the world who share common beliefs and practices (examples: Bible as our authority, willingness to confront sin, passion for the spread of the Gospel around the world, passion for church planting, etc). 2. It allows our church to participate in the largest missionary organization in the world. 19

21 Session Five The Oak Grove Standard And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 20

22 WHY JOIN A CHURCH? We believe that the church should be less like a cruise ship and more like a battleship. Rather than emphasizing our casual atmosphere and fun activities, it's time for churches to raise the bar, to focus on a serious mission, and ensure that every person aboard serves a vital function. To make the shift, we must recapture the importance and meaning of church membership. I. THIS IS THE PATTERN OF THE EARLY CHURCH Specific letters were written to specific local churches. Paul established a structure of leadership in churches. Specific problems were addressed to specific local congregations. Groups of believers devoted themselves to local churches. II. NUMEROUS BIBLICAL ANALOGIES LOSE MEANING WITHOUT MEMBERSHIP The Bible says we are a BODY and a FAMILY. III. WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY You cannot be accountable when you re not connected to a specific church family! IV. THE CHURCH HAS A FORMATIVE & CORRECTIVE ROLE The Formative Role: Make Disciples (The Great Commission) The Corrective Role: Discipline in LOVE for the purpose of restoration CHURCH DISCIPLINE: WHY Peter, directly quoting from Leviticus 11:44, wrote in 1 Peter 1:16, You shall be holy, for I am holy. Since God deeply desires for us to be holy, we should also have a passion for holiness. Therefore, the Church must be committed to keeping one another accountable. Part of keeping one another accountable is rebuking, correcting, disciplining, and restoring fellow believers. Church discipline is so important because sin destroys those who practice it and those who tolerate it. Jesus addresses the issue of church discipline in Matthew 18: THE PROCESS 1. Approach the sinner one on one If he repents, you have gained him back. If not, move to step number two. 2. Confront him with one or two others If he refuses to repent after this step, Jesus makes no mention of going to the elders/pastors or officers of the church. However, this step would be very appropriate here. There are several places in Scripture in which admonition is carried out by elders/pastors or other officers of the church (1 Thes. 5:12, 2 Tim 4:2, Titus 1:13, James 5:19-20). At Oak Grove, discipline is 21

23 conducted through the deacon body (often with the participation of the staff). The deacon body is brought in to seek reconciliation with unrepentant people. 3. Tell it to the Church If there is no repentance, the matter is brought before the church. The church then has the opportunity to plead with the person to repent. 4. Finally, if he refuses to repent, exclude him from the fellowship Jesus says to treat him as a pagan or tax collector. He is to be removed from the fellowship and treated as an evangelistic prospect rather than as a brother. This means that we are not to fellowship with this person as with other believers. This does not mean that we avoid this person but that every time we see them, we continue to plead with them for repentance. PURPOSE OF DISCIPLINE 1. Restoration In this process, our desire must always be to restore our brother or sister who is going astray. Therefore, we must discipline in love and for the purpose of seeing fellow believers restored to a right relationship with God and others. Our desire should always be to reestablish fellowship and rescue the person from his or her sin. In Matthew 18:15, the hope is that discipline will stop at the first step. Jesus says, if he listens to you, you have gained your brother back. Our goal in discipline is to gain our brother back. In Galatians 6:1, Paul tells us to restore a sinning brother or sister in a spirit of gentleness. Also, James tells us to bring back a sinner from the error of his way (5:20). 2. To Protect the Purity of the Church Sin, if it is not dealt with, will spread and cause problems in the church. Therefore, we must discipline in order to prevent this from happening. In Hebrews 12:15, we are warned not to allow any root of bitterness to spring up and cause trouble, and by it many become defiled. Paul warned the Corinthians that a little leaven leavens the whole lump. Church discipline also serves the purpose of warning others about the consequences of ongoing sin (1 Tim 5:20). 3. To Protect the Witness of the Church and the Honor of Christ Sin can destroy our witness to the world, and bring dishonor to Christ. In Romans 2:24, Paul tells the Jews who disobeyed God s law, the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. We must not tolerate sin because it can destroy our witness. FOR WHAT SINS SHOULD CHURCH DISCIPLINE BE EXERCISED? First, I think that we need to use mature judgment in the exercise of church discipline. We need to seek God s wisdom and guidance. A few examples of sin that were subject to church discipline in the New Testament were divisiveness (Rom 16:17), incest (1 Cor 5:1), blasphemy (1 Tim 1:20), and teaching heretical doctrine (2 Jn 10-11). There is a pattern that appears among these sins: they were publicly known or outwardly evident sins (reproach was being brought on the church, Christ was being dishonored, and others might be encouraged to follow wrongful patterns), and they continued over a period of time. These principles and examples should guide us as we seek to determine whether or not a person should be placed under church discipline. 22

24 WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A MEMBER? At Oak Grove we never ask our members to do more than the Bible clearly teaches. We only expect our members to do what the Bible expects every Christian to do. These responsibilities are spelled out in the Membership Covenant (see next page). REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN A personal profession of Christ as Savior and Lord. Baptism by immersion as a public symbol of one s faith in Jesus Christ. Completion of Membership Class 101. A signed commitment to abide by the Oak Grove Membership Covenant (page 25). *Please take a few moments to fill in the pages that follow so that we may find out more about you. 23

25 Class 101 Attendance Information DATE NAME ADDRESS ADDRESS 2 CITY, STATE & ZIP CODE HOME PHONE CELL PHONE Please check one: I am an existing member of Oak Grove and am here for Membership Class 101. Please fill out the: Membership Covenant (page 25) Getting to Know You (page 26) Where Can I Serve (page 28) I made application to join the church and am here for Membership Class 101. Please fill out the: Membership Covenant (page 25) Getting to Know You (page 26) Where Can I Serve (page 28) I wish to make application to join (application sheet is in your Membership Class binder) and am here for Membership Class 101. Please fill out the: Membership Covenant (page 25) Getting to Know You (page 26) Application for Church Membership (page 27) Where Can I Serve (page 28) I am just a guest and came to learn more about Oak Grove Baptist. I do not wish to submit an application at this time for church membership. OKAY to contact me later? YES No 24

26 Membership Covenant THE OAK GROVE MEMBERSHIP COVENANT Having, as we trust, been brought by Divine Grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, joyfully and solemnly affirm our covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We will, by the help of the Holy Spirit, walk together in Christian love; strive for the growth of this church; give regularly and cheerfully to the support of the ministry, expenses of the church, relief of the poor, and spread of the gospel through all nations; and not neglect meeting together. We will, by the help of the Holy Spirit, maintain family and personal devotions; educate our children in the Christian faith; seek the salvation of our friends and family; live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts; and abstain from practices which bring unwarranted harm to the body or jeopardize our own or another s faith. We will encourage one another and admonish one another as needed; bear one another s burdens; share in one another s joys. If we leave Oak Grove, we will unite with another Christian church Don t join if: 1. You do not believe in this work enough to become involved in ministry. 2. You do not believe in this work enough to support it financially. Join only if you are convinced that this is where the Lord wants you to invest your talent, your treasure and your time. If you need more time to pray take it. If you sign this paper today, we will take it and laminate it, and return it to you as a reminder of your commitment to church membership. Print Name Signature Date Yes, I would like to receive a copy of the Church Constitution and Bylaws Witnessed by Pastor 25

27 Getting to Know You Getting to Know You Name: Home # Cell # Work # Address: Please indicate any decisions: I would like to be baptized by immersion. I received Christ as my Lord and Savior today for the first time. I would like to join Oak Grove (If so, please return this form, a membership application and your signed covenant) How long have you attended Oak Grove? Have you been baptized by immersion? If not, when will you be (infant baptism, sprinkling, or other types of non-immersion baptisms cannot be transferred)? Are you in a Small Group/Family Bible Study Class? If so, which one? Do you know your spiritual gifts? If so, what do you think they are? What special talents/abilities do you have (example: carpentry, web design, etc)? What are you passionate about? Is there any ministry at Oak Grove that you would like to be a part of? 26

28 Application for Church Membership Oak Grove Baptist Church Application for Church Membership Meeting Scheduled: Today s Date 8:00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM Mr. Mrs. Miss Name Street Address City, State, ZIP Telephone Home: Cell: Address Date of Birth (month/day/year) Wedding Anniversary I would like to apply for Church Membership based on one of the following: I accept Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and want to be BAPTIZED (immersed). I am a Christian and want to join Oak Grove by being BAPTIZED (immersed). I would like to TRANSFER MY LETTER from another Southern Baptist Church Name of Church Address of Church I have been baptized (immersed) and would like to join Oak Grove by personal STATEMENT of that fact. My approximate age when I was baptized (immersed) was Family Bible Study Status: I am already enrolled in FBS Class which is taught by. Have the Church Office enroll me in a Family Bible Study Class. Church Office Use Only Class 101 Baptized Rec d Letter Voted on 27 27

29 Where Can You Serve WHERE CAN YOU SERVE? If you are not currently serving, you are needed! There is a place for you to serve in ministry. Our mission statement is Celebrate the greatness of God, Connect with other people through small groups, and Commit to God s ministry by getting involved in ministry. How are you personally fulfilling our church s mission statement? Please place a checkmark next to the area(s) of service you feel that you may be interested in. A staff member will contact you to discuss the area of service that you have marked. No experience is necessary. You can be trained. Preschool Ministry Sunday Morning Wednesday Night Seasonal Events Elementary Ministry Sunday Morning Wednesday Night Seasonal Events Youth Ministry Sunday Morning Wednesday Night Seasonal Events Adult Ministry Sunday Morning Weekday Weeknight Multimedia Ministry Sound Video Music Ministry Greeter Ministry Usher Ministry Outreach Ministry Missions Ministry Minor Maintenance Library Ministry A.D.A.M. (Alcohol and Drug Addiction Ministry) Church Office NAME (please print): PHONE: 28