Membership

THE PURPOSE OF MEMBERSHIP

The elders of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church have been entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of shepherding this local congregation. To effectively provide pastoral care, the elders have established the following membership process and request that all who attend Emmaus progress through it. By doing so, individuals will grow in their understanding of the doctrines of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, commit themselves to this local body of believers, and entrust themselves to the loving care of the elders and deacons. In cases where the prospective member is new to the Christian faith, the elders may request that they progress through An Introduction To The Christian Faith, a 24-lesson study through the Baptist Catechism, as a part of the membership process.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

A member of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church must:
1. Trust in Christ alone for their salvation, living in a way that agrees with biblical faith.
2. Have been baptized upon profession of faith.
3. Be aware of and in general agreement with the doctrines of this church as described in the Core Documents of ERBC, being willing to humbly submit to the loving care of the elders, and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace within this church where questions or differences of opinion may exist (see Ephesians 4:3; Romans 14:1).

THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

Please take two packets from the back of the sanctuary on Sunday:

• The Membership Forms Packet (one per prospective member)
• The Emmaus Core Documents Packet (a couple or family may share one, if they wish)

After obtaining these packets, please complete the following ten steps, preferably, in order:

1. Listen to the four audio lessons linked at emmausrbc.org/membership.
• The four lessons are:
• Lesson 1 – Introducing Membership
• Lesson 2 – An Introduction To The Second London Confession Of Faith
• Lesson 3 – An Overview Of The Constitution, Ministries, And Distinctives’ Of ERBC
• Lesson 4 – The Privileges And Responsibilities Of Church Membership
2. Read Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church’s Core Documents and make note of any questions or concerns you have. These documents are available online and they are also printed in the Core Documents Packet.
• There are four Core Documents:
• Confession: The Second London Confession Of Faith
• Catechism: The Baptist Catechism
• Constitution: The Emmaus Constitution
• Covenant: The Emmaus Church Covenant
3. Begin reading the book, Jesus Loves The Church And So Should You.
4. Fill out the Prospective Member Questionnaire in the Membership Forms Packet.
5. Schedule a meeting with a pastor for an interview.
   • Prospective Member Interview Agenda:
     1. Discuss the Prospective Member Questionnaire, including the doctrines listed under the “Your Beliefs” section. 
     2. Briefly discuss the Emmaus Core Documents.
        The pastor should:
        1. Explain the importance and purpose of each core document, provide a brief overview of each one, and ask if there are any objections, questions, or concerns.
        2. Discuss: 
           1. The role that the Second London Confession of Faith plays in the life of the church. What does it mean for the church to subscribe to the confession fully? What level of subscription is required of officers and members, respectively? 
           2. Congregational church government and the particular responsibilities of the elders and members.
           3. Our commitment to church discipline (formative and formal).
           4. Our plans for pastoral care. 
           5. Our view of the Lord’s Day Sabbath.
           6. Our Association (SCARBC)—quarterly messengers meetings, quarterly worship gatherings, and someone to appeal to.
        3. Read the Church Covenant to be clear about the responsibilities of church members.  
     3. Discuss the remainder of the membership process, as outlined below.
6. Write your Christian testimony to be shared with the membership (personal testimony guidelines are included in the Membership Forms Packet).
7. Finish the book, Jesus Loves The Church And So Should You.
8. Attend an officers meeting (typically held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM).
   • Officers’ Meeting Agenda:
     • The elder who has guided the membership process (presiding elder) will give an overview of what has been completed.
     • The prospective member will share their written testimony with the officers (and any visitors who are present).
     • The officers will have an opportunity to ask questions of the prospective member. 
     • The prospective member will have an opportunity to ask questions of the officers.
9. Upon approval of the elders, the prospective member will be presented to the congregation.
   • The process:
   • The elder’s recommendation will be made verbally after the worship service during the announcements and printed in the church bulletin. 
   • The presiding elder will give the congregation a brief overview of what was completed during the membership process. 
   • The presiding elder will send the prospective members’ written testimony to the members. 
   •  The members will be given one month to get to know the prospective member. If the members have any questions or concerns, they are to bring them to the elders privately.
10. After one month, be received as a member by the vote of the members. If baptism is necessary, the members will vote to receive new members pending their baptism.