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You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
What to expect with us
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Membership
Why and what it means to be a Member at Lakes Baptist Church.
The difference
The difference between ‘attenders’ and ‘members’ can be summed up in one word … COMMITMENT.
In our church we recognise the need for a formal membership. And we ask you to commit to membership for 4 reasons:
- A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church.
“Christ loved the church, and he gave his life for it.” Ephesians 5:25. - A Cultural Reason: It is an antidote to our society. We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything … a job … a marriage … our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of “Church shoppers and hoppers”. Membership swims against the current of our society’s’ “consumer religion.” It is an unselfish decision and commitment always builds character.
- A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on. Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrolment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.
- A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family.
What is expected of me as a member?
“Having received Christ as my Lord and Saviour, and being in agreement with the church’s statements, strategy, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the LAKES Baptist Church Family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following;
1. I will protect the unity of God’s church
… By acting in love toward other members
… By refusing to gossip
… By following the leaders
“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” Romans 15:19 (Ph)
“Live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ toward each other.” Romans 15:5 (LB)
“Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts.” 1 Peter 1:2 (GN)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…” Ephesians 4:29
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17
2. I will share the responsibility of God’s church
…By praying for its growth
…By inviting the unchurched to attend
…By warmly welcoming those who visit
“To the church…we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2
“Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.” Luke 14:23 (LB)
“So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified.” Romans15:7 (LB)
3. I will serve the ministry of God’s church
… By discovering my gifts and talents
… By being equipped to serve by my pastor/s
… By developing a servant’s heart
“Serve one another with particular gifts God has given each of you…” 1 Peter 4:10 (Ph)
“God gave…some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up..” Ephesians 4:11-12
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.. who took on the very nature of a servant…” Philippians 2:3-4:7
4. I will support the testimony of God’s church
… By attending faithfully
… By living a godly life
… By giving regularly
“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together..but let us encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:25
“But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27 (Ph)
“Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering.” 1 Corinthians 16:2
“A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy.” Leviticus 27:30
How to Become a Member
- Let the Pastor know you are interested in becoming a member at our church.
- The Pastor or a church leader will meet with you to get to know you and your journey of faith.
- Attend a Discovering Lakes Class (It’s explores who are are as a church and how you can be invovled) and sign a Member’s Covenant (identical to the info here on the website)
- The Pastor will welcome you into membership and pray with you at one of our regular worship services.
Speak to our Pastor if you have any questions, comments or concerns about membership.