Membership to a grocery store, retailer, gym or club is about what you can get out of it. Membership to a local church is about commitment. But oddly enough, we believe among life's greatest benefits is belonging to a local church where you are expected to give of yourself. And no, we're not talking about paying the church money although generous giving is a way commitment to God's Kingdom is demonstrated.
Membership at First Baptist Icard is a way to demonstrate your commitment to Jesus and His mission of changing the world with the gospel. It gives expression to your identity as belonging to the family of God. It is an outlet to serve others, partnering with followers of Jesus to help each other grow in grace and exalt God in all of life.
To join our church, we require three steps:
The Church shall be composed of members who meet the following requirements.
- A statement of personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
- Baptism by immersion as a testimony of salvation.
- Participation in the Prospective Members Class, signing and committing to abide by the FBI Membership Covenant, and receiving a majority vote in a business meeting.
If you are interested in becoming a member of First Baptist Icard or would like to learn more, let us know at church@fbicard.org
Responsibilities of Membership. The responsibilities of membership are described in the membership covenant.
The FBI Membership Covenant
Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, having been baptized, and being in agreement with the articles, bylaws, and mission of First Baptist Church of Icard, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the FBI church family. In doing so, I will commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
I agree to protect the unity of my church by
- Acting in love toward other members.
- Refusing to gossip or spread rumors.
- Not letting my personal preferences and desires undermine the church body
- Following the leaders, who follow Christ and His word.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19
“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart. . .” 1 Peter 1:22
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29
“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17
I agree to share in the responsibilities of my church by
- Praying for its growth.
- Praying for my Pastors and their family
- Inviting the unchurched to attend.
- Sharing the gospel as the Holy Spirit provides opportunity
- Warmly welcoming those who visit.
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2
“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23
“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Rom. 15:7
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” Matthew 28:19-20
I agree to serve in the ministries of my church by
- Discovering my gifts and talents and use those gifts in areas of service
- Studying and seeking to be equipped to serve
- Submitting myself to the Holy Spirit so that I may develop a servant’s heart
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:3-7
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5
I agree to support the testimony of my church by
- Attending faithfully
- Seeking to live a Godly life
- Giving regularly
- Becoming a member of another Christian Church if I move or become inactive
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .” Philippians 1:27a
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside.” 1 Corinthians 16:2a
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself is the cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19-20
Voting Rights of Members. Active members age 13 and older shall have the right to vote on matters that come before the church in a business meeting. Any member under church discipline is not allowed to vote or speak at a meeting in which the member’s continued church membership is being considered. Proxy voting is prohibited.
The following matters must be voted upon by the active membership of the church. These issues require a simple majority vote.
- the annual budget of the church
- the election of Boards and Teams as prescribed in the Bylaws
The following items must also be voted upon by the church. These items require a two-thirds majority vote and will be done by secret ballot, which will be counted by two of the Deacons assigned by the moderator.
- The disposition of all assets of the Church over $5,000
- The merger or dissolution of the Church
- The acquisition of real property and related indebtedness
- Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Church
- Adoption of operational policies and guidelines
- The calling of all staff
- Termination of staff
Termination of Membership. Members shall be removed from the Church roll by the Elders for the following reasons:
- Death
- Transfer of membership to another church of like faith and practice
- By written request of the member
- Chronic absenteeism as outlined in the Articles
- Church Discipline. If a member’s life and conduct are not in accordance with the membership covenant, the church, following the procedures outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, may upon a majority ballot vote, terminate the membership. (This procedure is outlined in Appendix B)
Restoration of Members. A member dismissed by the Church may be restored by the Church according to the spirit of 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15. When his lifestyle and behavior is assessed by the Elders to be in accordance with the membership covenant, the Elders may request of the Church that the member be restored.