Why Should I Join A Church?

Church membership is an eternally significant privilege.  To be a member of a church is to make a public promise to live according to the Word and to support the work of the congregation. Biblically speaking, this is called a covenant. Every believer is part of the body of Christ as global organism, but only by a public promise can you be part of the church as local organization.  Covenants form the foundation of organized society, according to the Bible: marriage, employment, citizenship, church membership, etc., are all relationships of accountability.  Can you imagine a society in which integrity and accountability are absent?

The church is not a social club.  Nor is the church a Fortune 500 company, a location, a building, a secret society, or a common organization. Most organizations revolve around self-centered consumers; the organization exists to serve them. The church of Christ is a completely different organization - membership means Christ-centered ministry and service, going from being a consumer to becoming a provider of God's love and care to others. Fellowship Baptist Church is a Christ-centered church that exists to spread a passion for Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.

We therefore encourage all those who call Fellowship their church home to become official members.  We want you to enjoy the privileges of membership; we want you to lock arms with us as we prayerfully trample the gates of hell underfoot, one step at a time. For a Scriptural explanation of formal membership, please read our Biblical Understanding of Church Membership document (PDF format).

How Do I Join Fellowship?

It is our heart’s desire that the Lord would add to our number day by day those who are being saved (Acts 2:47).  That is our prayer!  We long for Jesus to be embraced and exalted as His church grows.  We are delighted that you are considering joining us as we seek to advance the reign of Christ from Vienna, Illinois, to the ends of the earth.

Those who are interested in joining our church are highly encouraged to sign up for our Membership Class.  This class will consist of seven sessions that will take place during the Sunday School hour.  The purposes of this class are for us to get to know you, for you to get to know the church, and for you to have your questions answered.  For more information about what will be covered in this class, please read our Membership Class Agenda document (PDF format).

As your pastors, we would also like to have an opportunity to meet with you so that we can learn more about your interests, your family, and your relationship with Christ.  Ideally, a cup of coffee or a good meal would be involved.  Any other questions or concerns you might have could be dealt with in this relaxed meeting. 

We are asking you to consider investing seven hours and a meal/cup of coffee because church membership is important.  Most employers require much more before you can work for them.  Please let us know if you are interested in joining.