MEMBERSHIP
We believe all regenerate persons are members of God's church. However, the New Testament points us toward a recognizable local church membership for our encouragement, our protection, and our instruction. It is the church's responsbility to affirm who is a genuine brother or sister (Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Cor 5). We seek to carry out this vision through meaningful membership practices. The process by which to become a member at SSBC involves 4 steps:
1. Membership Classes
2. Membership Interview
3. Elder Recommendation
4. Congregational Affirmation
Our membership classes are offered during the Core Seminar hour. There are 4 classes in total: (1) Our Statement of Faith, (2) Our Abiding Together in Christ document, (3) Why Join a Church?, and (4) An Overview of Church History. Additionally, we offer a quarterly Saturday morning option in which all 4 classes are taught consecutively from 8am-12pm. Breakfast is provided with the Saturday option and 10 minute breaks are given every hour.
Abiding Together in Christ
The Abiding Together document below is a summary of biblical teaching about what it means to live together distinctly as Christians, by God's grace. It outlines our responsibilities to one another as members of a local church. While our Statement of Faith is a summary of what we believe, this document is a summary of how we agree to live – more importantly, of how God would have us live. It does not include every dimension of abiding together in Christ, but it does give a general summary of what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus. The purpose of a local church is to honor God by making disciples and equipping believers for faithfulness and ministry. Inherent in the purpose of this document is the understanding that church membership involves being held accountable to live in a manner consistent with a common understanding of Scripture. This document reminds us of our mission as we walk together in faithfulness and joy.
Requesting Membership
Once you have completed all four membership classes you may fill out the form below to request membership. Once we receive this form, an elder of the church will contact you in order to set up a meeting time for your gospel conversation (membership interview). The goal of this conversation is to get to know you a little better, to hear your profession of faith in Christ, your understanding of the gospel, and to answer any remaining questions you may have about SSBC.