Joining Calvary Baptist Church and Next Steps

We’re excited that you’re considering becoming part of our church family. Joining our church is a meaningful step in your faith journey, and we’re here to support you. This page outlines how to become a member and the next steps to take after joining to grow in your faith and connect with our community.

Why Join Calvary Baptist Church?

Becoming a member of Calvary Baptist Church means committing to be part of our church family, participating in our community, and supporting our mission to follow Christ. As a member, you’ll enjoy:

• Pastoral Care: Receive guidance and support from our pastors and staff.
• Spiritual Growth: Sunday Lifegroups, Wednesday Lifegroups, and other ministries to help you grow in your walk with Christ.
• Community: Build relationships with a community of believers who share your commitment to Christ.

Membership is an act of humility and commitment, reflecting your willingness to come under the spiritual leadership of our pastors and to be accountable to a body of believers.

How to Become a Member

At Calvary Baptist Church, membership is open to all who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and have been baptized by immersion as a believer. Based on our baptism practices, baptism is closely tied to membership. Here’s how you can join:

1. If You Have Not Been Baptized as a Believer

• Baptism as the First Step: Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ and symbolizes your identification with His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). It is the first act of obedience for a believer.
• Membership through Baptism: As noted in our baptism information, “When baptized, your name will be entered into the membership records of the church.” Thus, being baptized at Calvary Baptist Church automatically enrolls you as a member.
• Process: To get baptized, you’ll need to:
• Confirm your salvation by confessing your sins and accepting Christ as your Savior.
• Meet with a member of our pastoral staff to discuss your faith and desire for baptism.
• Present yourself for baptism at the end of a service, where you’ll meet with a church worker.
• Schedule your baptism.
• For more details, visit our Baptism Page.
• Note for Children: Children seeking baptism must have parental approval and understand the meaning of baptism. They will also meet with a pastor to discuss their decision.

2. If You Have Already Been Baptized as a Believer

• Discuss Membership: If you’ve been baptized by immersion after accepting Christ (in another Baptist church or a similar denomination), you may not need to be re-baptized. However, you’ll need to formally join Calvary Baptist Church.
• Next Steps: Contact the church office to schedule a meeting with a pastoral staff member. During this meeting, you’ll:
• Share your testimony of faith.
• Discuss your desire to become a member.
• Learn about the expectations and responsibilities of membership.
• Presentation to the Congregation: New members are presented to the congregation during a worship service.

3. For Those Transferring from Another Church

• Transfer of Membership: If you’re a member of another Baptist church, you can transfer your membership to Calvary Baptist Church. This process, often called “transfer of letter,” involves your current church confirming your membership status.
• Process: Contact the church office to initiate the transfer. You will need to meet with a pastor to discuss your faith and commitment to Calvary Baptist Church.
• Note: If you were baptized before being saved (e.g., as an infant or before a personal profession of faith), our baptism information recommends being baptized again as a believer. Discuss this with a pastor to determine the appropriate steps.

Is There a Membership Class?

• Yes! Our class is called Starting Point Class and is held several times per year on a Sunday afternoon.

What Are the Expectations of Members?

• Members are expected to:
• Attend worship services regularly.
• Support the church through giving, as the church relies on member contributions.
• Get involved in the church community through serving and participating in activities.
• Live out their faith in obedience to Christ.

Can I Attend Without Joining?

• Absolutely! You’re welcome to worship with us without becoming a member. However, membership is encouraged as it fosters a deeper commitment and connection to the church family.

Contact Us

If you’re ready to take the next step toward membership or have questions about getting involved, please contact our church office. You can reach us by filling out our contact form. Our staff is available to meet with you and guide you through the process.

We look forward to welcoming you as a member of Calvary Baptist Church and supporting you in your faith journey!