About Church Membership

While Scripture doesn’t address church membership directly, the concept is clearly implied in the New Testament. How can a church obey the words of Jesus about the church or Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church without membership (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:2, 12-13)? In an effort to faithfully follow New Testament teaching, FBU has church membership. 

Becoming a Member at FBU

In joining FBU, you’re committing to follow the Lord Jesus, to walk alongside fellow Christians, and to live a life that glorifies God. If you are considering membership at FBU, the following must be true… 

• You must be a Christian. In other words, you must have turned from your sin and placed your faith in Christ (John 1:12). 

• You must have been biblically baptized or be willing to be baptized. First, a biblical baptism happens after you have turned from sin and trusted Christ (Acts 2:41). Second, a biblical baptism is an act of obedience to Christ, not a way to gain salvation (Luke 23:42-43, 1 Corinthians 1:17). Third, a biblical baptism is by immersion which means you go into the water and come out of the water (Matthew 3:16, John 3:23).

If you are considering membership at FBU, follow these steps… 

Step One: Connect Luncheon

Throughout the year, we offer our Connect Luncheon. At this luncheon, we'll get an opportunity to get to know you better and tell you more about our church. We'll talk about our church's mission, our beliefs, membership expectations, and how you can belong to our church family. 

Step Two: Pastoral Meeting

Let us know that you are considering membership at FBU, and we’ll schedule a meeting with one of our pastors. During this time, we'll have an opportunity to get to know you better, and you'll have a chance to ask questions in an informal setting and get to know us better. 

Step Three: Congregational Affirmation

Next, the elders will recommend you for membership at a members' meeting. As a congregational church, our members will vote to affirm your membership. You will not need to be present at this meeting.