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Attending Immanuel Baptist
Church is a privilege of which anyone can take advantage. People who attend
participate in all of the programs and activities of the church and they can
invite anyone else to attend with them. Membership in the church gives the
added privilege of participating in the decision- making processes and specific
leadership positions. It is customary when seeking membership to begin by
setting up a conference with the Pastor who will then outline the proper
procedures.
There are
several ways to join Immanuel:
By Baptism.
Baptism in a Baptist church is an ordinance that the individual believer chooses
to observe. It has historically been referred to as “Believer’s Baptism” as
opposed to infant baptism. A person who comes to the place where faith demands
action can elect to be baptized. The administration of baptism at Immanuel is
by immersion – as it is in nearly all Baptist churches. However, Immanuel
recognizes that some who have been baptized in other traditions consider their
baptism as valid and proper. We honor that and do not require the rebaptism of
one seeking membership here. One who has never experienced any kind of baptism
is required to experience believer’s baptism before becoming a member of
Immanuel.
By Letter.
Any person who is at present a member of a church of like faith and practice may
request that a letter of transfer of membership be obtained from the other
church. Upon receipt of such a letter and acceptance of the covenant of this
church, the person will be welcomed into membership at Immanuel.
By Christian Experience. Persons
who have been baptized and do not want to consider rebaptism
but who are not a member of a church that will offer a letter of transfer
may request membership at Immanuel by an affirmation of their personal Christian
commit-ment to Christ and the covenant of this church.
By Affiliation.
That is, a person, for reasons of their own, may want to continue to hold
membership in another church while enjoying full participation at Immanuel.
While there are some limitations on what affiliate members can do, it is
possible to hold membership in more than one church at a time.
The advantage of
church membership is that one may serve as church officers, serve on church
committees, and participate in the decision-making deliberations (annual
meeting, special meetings, etc.) to conduct church business.
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