TaB

Baptism and Membership

A Biblical discussion of their connection within the church

The Baptist Acrostic

• Biblical authority (Mat 24:35; 1 Pet 1:23; 2 Tim 3:16-17)

• Autonomy of the local church (Mat 18:15–17; 1 Cor 6:1-3)

• Priesthood of all believers• Two ordinances (believer's baptism and the

Lord's Supper) (Act 2:41–47; 1 Cor. 11:23-32)

• Individual soul liberty• Saved church membership (Mat 16:18; Eph 5:23–32; Col 1:18)

• Two offices of the church (pastor and deacon)• Separation of Church and State

Images of the Church

The Value of local church

• The real life practice of the “one anothers”• The exercise of spiritual gifts for glory of God• The development of your faith and

relationship with God• The working model of interdependence,

mutual benefit, and leadership

Formal Ceremony

• Ceremony is important for the partners• Ceremony is important for the witnesses• Ceremony is highly cultural

The Church & the church

Universal Church

(“Big C” church, catholic, world-

wide, global)

Local Church

(“Little C” church, local,

Tabernacle Baptist Church)

Local Church

(“Little C” church, local,

Tabernacle Baptist Church)

Regenerated Un-regenerated

The Baptist Acrostic

• Biblical authority (Mat 24:35; 1 Pet 1:23; 2 Tim 3:16-17)

• Autonomy of the local church (Mat 18:15–17; 1 Cor 6:1-3)

• Priesthood of all believers• Two ordinances (believer's baptism and the

Lord's Supper) (Act 2:41–47; 1 Cor. 11:23-32)

• Individual soul liberty• Saved church membership (Mat 16:18; Eph 5:23–32; Col 1:18)

• Two offices of the church (pastor and deacon)• Separation of Church and State

The Signals of Regeneration

• We cannot see the heart• We have to look for early fruit– Love of the Savior, gospel– Love of the Word– Love of the brothers, church

SALVATION

BAPTISM

MEMBERSHIP

MINISTRY/SERVICE

Membership Coaching

• We are interested in stranding any runners• We are interested in reaching the goal “every

member a minister”• We will not force runners to advance before

they are ready

Membership Issues to Avoid

• Membership as a bragging right, entitlement• Membership as an oppression instrument or

excuse for abuse• Membership as a casual understanding• Membership as a forced, coerced decision

Practical Membership

Leadership

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Membership

Fuzzy Membership

Progressive Membership

• 1 = “FUZZY” – friendship, comfort in services, welcomed

• 2 = “WARM” – small group involvement, investigative, interested

• 3 = “TECHNICAL” – membership ceremony, formal identification

• 4 = “PRACTICAL” – ministry involvement, fully invested, $/time/talent

• 5 = “LEADERSHIP”

Some examples to consider

• Ethopian eunuch (Acts 8:35-39)

• Philippian jailor (Acts 16:31-34)

• Thief on cross (Luke 23:39-43)

• Simon, the Great (Acts 8:12-24)

• The Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:14-17)

• Paul (Acts 9:18; 22:13-16)

• Jesus (Matt 3:13-17; Luk 3:21-22) • John (Matt 3:6-12; Mrk 1:8-9; Luk 3:3-9)