Membership Matters

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a member of a local church? To many of us, it is a simple formality that gives us the right to vote at the annual business meetings and might even give us a sense of ownership in the programs. But is that really all there is to it? What exactly are you saying or committing to when you become a member of a church?

Rich Pond Baptist Church, we believe that membership in a local church is a vital part of the Christian experience. The New Testament points to membership for our encouragement, protection, and growth. One way we carry out this vision is through a three step process to join Rich Pond.

Step One (a six session class)

Session 1. Nuts and Bolts - acquainting prospective members with the congregational life of the church

Session 2. A detailed presentation of the Church Covenant

Session 3. The Baptist Faith and Message I

Session 4. The Baptist Faith and Message II

Session 5. Overview of Church History

Session 6. Ministry Mapping:

Step Two: Membership Interview

Step Three: Congregational Affirmation

Sessions 1,2,and 3 are offered on the third Sunday of the month after the 10:30AM Worship service (lunch will be served and child care will be provided), Sessions 4,5, and 6 being offered on the following three Sundays, during alternating Sunday School hours. Please note that these sessions do not have to be taken in order.

Reception of Members

Candidates who present themselves publicly for membership and have completed the prospective member program and are affirmed by vote of the church will be accepted:

For baptism as believers in Christ.
By letter from a church of like faith and order.
By statement, in which a person gives evidence of his or her Christian experience and has been baptized by immersion according to the teachings of this church.
By restoration

Duties of Members

Members are expected to be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life as outlined in the Church Covenant and based on the Word of God.

Rights of Members

Such members as are in full and regular standing may act and vote in the transactions of the church, and may hold offices in the church when so elected by the church.

Quorum at Resident Members Business Meetings

Ten (10) percent of the resident members shall constitute a quorum for special called business meetings; and for the call/dismissal of a pastor, twenty-five (25) percent shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. For monthly business meetings, an attendance of less than ten (10) percent of the resident members can conduct business unless there is an objection.

Cessation of Membership

1. Death: In the event of the death of a member, upon receipt of information as to that fact, it shall be the duty of the clerk to strike such a person’s name from the membership roll.

2. Joins Church of Like Faith and Practice: Any member in good standing may obtain a letter of transfer to join any other Baptist Church of like faith and practice. A letter of transfer will be granted if there are no objections and the church approves at the next business meeting.

3. By Request: Any member shall have the right to request that his name be stricken from the membership roll. Such request/notification may be made at any regular business meeting. This request shall be granted only after the church has patiently and kindly endeavored to secure their continuance in the fellowship and upon the church’s approval without objections at the next business meeting.

4. Joins Church of Unlike Faith: When any member of this church shall unite with a church not of the same faith and practice and information of the fact is made known to the church, it shall be the duty of the clerk to strike from the membership roll the name of such member and advise the church at the next regular business meeting.

5. Misconduct: Any member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to the discipline of the church according to the instruction of our Lord.

For further reading, here is an overview on a biblical understanding of membership.