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General
This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government of all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.
The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.
Admission of Members
Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership in this church. All such candidates shall be presented to the church at any church service and voted on at any regularly scheduled business meeting. Membership can be established in any of the following ways:
- By Baptism - Any person who confesses Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and who is in essential agreement with the doctrine and practice of this church may be received into the fellowship of the congregation following baptism by immersion.
- By Letter - A person who is in substantial accord with the doctrine and practice of this church may be received by letter of commendation from any other church of like-faith.
- By Statement of Faith - A believer of worthy character who has formerly been a member of a church of like-faith and who, for a sufficient reason, cannot present a letter from that church but who is in substantial accord with the faith and practice of this church may be received upon statement of Christian experience.
The Constitution and By-Laws provide rules for dealing with any membership candidate whose qualifications are questionable. Thankfully, these guidelines have not been used for many years, if ever.
Associate Membership
Realizing the church's responsibility to minister to anyone desiring to be a part of a local church, persons of other denominations who wish to maintain their denominational identity may become associate members. According to the church covenant, we expect those coming from Baptist churches, and churches of like faith to move their memberships by transfer of letter. However, the transient nature of the English-speaking community often means persons of other denominations wish to be a part of a local church without changing their denominational affiliation. Associates that are born-again believers may be received upon recommendation of the pastor and/or deacons. They will be presented at any church service and voted on at regularly scheduled business meeting.
Associate members may:
Serve in the church as needed, except in areas where differences in doctrinal positions may be evident. Associate members may not serve as Pastor, deacons, main or lead teachers, nor serve on the constitution committee or nominating committee. They may participate in church activities, but may not vote in church business matters.
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