Common Requirements

by Anthony Jordan                                                                                   Vol. XVI, No. 8, Sep/Oct 2003

What does it take to join a Baptist church? One would think the answer to that question is simple and clear. Over the years, Baptists have developed some fairly standard criteria in most situations. Let me remind you of our common requirements.

Baptists have always believed that any person seeking membership in a local church must be born again. A regenerate membership is the cornerstone of our faith. A person who presents himself for membership must profess and confess his belief in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

A believer becomes a part of the church through baptism. Baptism is the outward expression of our inward commitment to Jesus. It pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. True baptism is by immersion.

Most churches receive members by letter from other Baptist churches. The letter declares that the person is converted, baptized by immersion, and I good standing with the fellowship he or she is leaving. Baptists believe that a person should become a member of a church where they can regularly attend, and in which they can give and serve. While we have non-resident and inactive rolls, I am convinced they are unbiblical and have little meaning.

We also receive members by statement, which signifies that a person is a member of a church of like faith and order, but for some reason cannot obtain a letter.

The most controversial issue today is in regard to people who come from other faiths. In years past, the majority of Baptist churches required people joining from other faiths to be “re-baptized.” To accept members from other denominations without baptism was described as receiving “alien immersion.” (I have always wanted to baptize an alien but never found one!! Joke!)

Today many of our churches receive from other denominations people who have been “scripturally baptized.” The meaning of the phrase is as broad or narrow as the church or pastor who interprets it. In most cases, it means a person was baptized by immersion following a profession of faith.

Some would protest this practice as un-Baptistic, believing that if a person wants to join one of our churches, he should be willing to submit to our baptism. Others suggest that baptism by immersion subsequent to salvation is New Testament baptism, no matter what the name over the door.

I could wade into this battle, but I suspect I would only muddy the waters. But I would like to make a strong appeal to all of us regardless of our position regarding non-Baptists. First, make sure the person really wants to be a Baptist, whether he is willing to be baptized or not. Some just want to join a particular church, but have no commitment to being a true Baptist. They do not agree with our doctrine – they just like the local church they are attending. In that case, let them attend – but they should not become members.

Secondly, our churches must do a better job of helping new members understand our doctrines, polity, and mission plan. I fear many of our churches are adrift without a rudder because many of our members do not know what we believe and how we “do church.”

Strong church members are made, not born. It is the responsibility of the local church to lead people to meaningful membership in our churches. We can baptize them 10 times, but unless they are taught the doctrines of our faith and come to a place of ownership of those doctrines for themselves, I doubt we can call them Baptist.

[Reprinted from the Baptist Messenger, 23 January 2003. Anthony Jordan is executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.]