Serving Together

Church Membership

A next steps guide to belonging, growing, and serving at First Baptist Church of Kingstowne.

Take the Next Step View Membership Resources

“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
Romans 12:5

Belong to the Family

At First Baptist Church of Kingstowne, membership is more than attending services or having your name on a list. It is a joyful commitment to walk together as one body in Christ.

Belong to the Family

What is church membership?

Membership means belonging to a church family united around Jesus Christ, grounded in God’s Word, and committed to living out New Testament Christianity together.

Church members commit to worship together, grow together, serve together, pray for one another, and support the work of the ministry.

Romans 12:4-5 "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

Commit to the Mission

Why become a member?

Membership gives clarity to your commitment. Becoming a church member publicly identifies you with a local church family.

It says, “This is where I am choosing to worship, grow, serve, give, and be spiritually cared for.”

Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Serve

Grounded in Scripture

First Baptist Church of Kingstowne is committed to the authority of God’s Word and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe the Bible is the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice.

We believe salvation is wholly by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end."

How Does Someone Become a Member?

Membership begins with salvation, baptism, and a willing commitment to walk with the church. All prospective church members first meet with a member of the pastoral or teaching staff before being received by church vote.

Profession of Faith and Baptism

A person who has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior may become a member following scriptural baptism.

Transfer from a Church of Like Faith and Order

A person may be received by transfer from another church of like faith and order. This means the former church shares compatible doctrine, practice, and church authority.

Statement of Faith and Scriptural Baptism

When a transfer letter is not practical, a person may be received by a statement of faith regarding their salvation and baptism.

Restoration

A person may be restored to membership after repentance and evidence of restored fellowship.

About Transfers

“Like faith and order” refers to the shared doctrine, practice, and church authority necessary for a person to unite with First Baptist Church of Kingstowne by letter or prior membership.

Like faith concerns what a church believes and teaches, especially in the essential doctrines of Scripture, God, Christ, salvation, the church, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.

Like order concerns how a church is organized and how it carries out its ministry, including New Testament church authority, congregational governance, scriptural baptism, and the observance of the ordinances.

This standard should be applied with both conviction and grace. Some situations may be clear and factual, while others require careful discussion, spiritual discernment, and pastoral judgment.

The Membership Process

Our desire is to handle membership carefully, biblically, and charitably while helping each person understand the commitment of joining the church.

1. Review

Read through the church documents and membership resources as you prayerfully consider membership.

2. Meet

Meet with a member of the pastoral or teaching staff to discuss your testimony, baptism, and church background.

3. Discuss

Ask questions and receive biblical instruction when needed. Our goal is clarity, not confusion.

4. Vote

The final authority for receiving members rests with the church, following leadership’s recommendation.

Membership Resources

Joining a church is an important decision. These documents will help you better understand our beliefs, commitments, and church life.

Church Constitution

Learn more about the organization, governance, and practice of First Baptist Church of Kingstowne.

View Constitution

Church Covenant

Review the shared commitments we make as members walking together in Christian love and unity.

View Covenant

Doctrinal Statement

Read a summary of the biblical doctrine and beliefs that guide our church and ministry.

View Doctrine

Interested in Membership?

Our staff would be glad to answer questions, walk through the membership process with you, or help you better understand our church’s beliefs and commitments.