We are working through this issues as a church body. This is an information session talking about membership, its importance and the growth cycle for believers.

1. Baptism and Membership A Biblical discussion of their connection within the church

2. 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

3. Images of the Church

4. 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

5. Formal Ceremony Ceremony is important for the partners Ceremony is important for the witnesses Ceremony is highly cultural

6. The Church & the church Universal Church (“Big C” church, catholic, world-wide, global) Local Church (“Little C” church, local, Tabernacle Baptist Church)

7. Local Church (“Little C” church, local, Tabernacle Baptist Church) Regenerated Un-regenerated

8. 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

9. 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

10. BAPTISM SALVATION MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY/SERVICE

11. 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

12. 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

13. Technical Membership GROWTH GROWTH GROWTH Leadership Practical Membership GROWTH GROWTH Fuzzy Membership

14. 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”

15. Some examples to consider Ethopianeunuch (Acts 8:35-39) Philippianjailor (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)