We believe the church is best served by a healthy understanding of church membership. Sadly, church membership is often misunderstood. Belonging to a church is not like joining a health club or discount wholesale club for the personal benefits and desirable amenities. Church membership is submitting oneself to the Christian community and being responsible for a local Christian community in accord with the Scriptures.
We believe God intends the church and the individual Christian to find encouragement, protection, instruction, and healthy accountability through biblical church membership. This means healthy church membership extends beyond our Sunday morning gathering as we know and are known by one another as we live out our covenant commitments in the strength God provides.
Membership Process
We seek to carry out this vision for meaningful membership through an ordinarily four-step process by which to join Highlands Baptist Church.
Membership Application
The first step in becoming a member of this local church is to notify an elder so you are on our list to be invited to our new members class. Every member candidate eventually fills out a member questionnaire which includes writing out your confession of faith — telling us when you repented and placed your faith in Christ.
Membership Class
We ask all membership candidates to attend a “Membership Matters” class. In this class we discuss the gospel and what the Scriptures teach about church membership. We also review our church’s statement of faith and our membership covenant. This class offers those interested in becoming a member an opportunity to ask questions and grow in their understanding of our core values and ministry philosophy.
Elder Interview
It is our practice to interview membership candidates to ensure there is a clear understanding of the gospel, review their written testimony of salvation, and learn how God continues to mature their faith as they continue to follow Jesus. These interviews are always an encouragement as we reflect on the great saving acts of God accomplished for us through Christ.
Congregational Affirmation
If recommended by the elders for church membership, the member candidate will be officially received into the church family by a vote from the church membership. This vote is based on a candidate's profession of faith (the content of their confession) and evidence as best we can tell that the candidate has new life in Christ (they are a true confessor).
Entering membership is a joyous occasion as your new church family celebrates our shared confession of faith and the evidence of God’s grace in our life as true confessors. Now begins the adventure of deeper service, love, study, and prayer as we live out our covenant commitment to help each other follow Jesus!