When a pastor asked someone about church membership, they responded in this way: “Well, you’ve got to understand we aren’t joiners; we never join anything.” This may be true for some people. However, if we truly want to identify with Jesus Christ, we will also want to identify with God’s people who are followers of the way of Jesus Christ and Christianity (Acts 9:4; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). Church membership is a means to identify with the people of God and the Savior that they follow and treasure. It also follows the pattern and practice of early church assemblies established by the apostles (Acts 15:2, 6, 22, 23; 6:3, 6).

I want to personally thank you for considering church membership here at the Berean Bible Church. I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to serve and grow in this local church ministry. We want to make new families feel welcome and accepted in the church family. We are

excited about the future of this church and we are truly interested in your family. This is because the ministry does not consist of church buildings but people’s lives. 6 Questions about Berean Bible Church WHO are we? BEREANS: The name of our church is taken from the Bible. Acts 17:11 says: “These (the Bereans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Those Christians who lived in the area of Berea were known as Bereans. They were also known to have a heart to learn and live out the Bible in their daily lives. They searched the Bible in order to prove what was true and false. They also aligned their own lives to the infallible standard and truth of God’s Word. We want to be like the Bereans of old. Therefore, the name Berean Bible Church was adopted for this church ministry. CONSERVATIVE: The Berean Bible Church is a conservative Church ministry. The traditional or conservative church ministry will teach families the importance of

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Biblical separation unto God, which is part of the believer’s priestly sacrifice and service that is rendered up to God (1 Pet. 2:9; Heb. 13:15-16; Rom. 12:1-2). Separation applies to one’s everyday living and even the area of worship (Rom. 12:1-2; Numb. 3:4; Malachi 1:7-8; Ps. 89:7).

The conservative Church movement wants to maintain the new-creation emphasis (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10) and follow the non-mixture (2 Cor. 6:14-17; Jer. 10:2) command that God requires for holy living. They want to avoid taking on the appearance (1

Thess. 5:22) that they are identifying or associating (1 Cor. 10:20; Eph. 5:7, 11) with the questionable, extreme, radical, worldly, and unbiblical movements within our society. Conservative Christianity detests those things that represent rebellion and evil (Rom. 12:9; Amos 5:15) and refuses to reflect these rebellious movements in their church worship and daily living (Rom. 12:2). Here at the church we seek to glorify God in both message and music (1 Cor. 10:31). The pastors in the local assembly of this church will challenge God’s people to live a consecrated and Christ-centered life.

Conservative Christians do not ride around in wagons on the frontier. They do not live in some kind of past era which no longer understands modern-day society. A conservative church is not “out of touch” with

society; it actually reaches out to a lost world with the message of repentance (Luke 24:47) and new life in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), which transforms the lives of people. WHERE did we come from? We are part of a movement of INDEPENDENT churches that broke away from the growing liberalism within the denominations (1900–1930’s) and also from those churches that failed to separate from compromised Christianity (1940’s). Our particular Bible church began in 1987. WHY are we here?

We exist today for ...

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 The glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31) The salvation of souls (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8) The proclamation of God's Word (Acts 20:27; II Tim. 2:15; 3:16; 4:2)  Growth of God’s saints (Eph. 4:12; 1 Thess. 4:3). WHAT do we believe? In a summary, we BELIEVE in: the Trinity, the deity, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, salvation by the grace of God, the eternal security of believers in Christ, water baptism for this age (immersion), the New Testament church is the body of Christ which began in Acts 2, dispensations, missions, pretribulation Rapture, Second Coming of Christ to earth, premillennialism, a literal Millennium (1,000 year reign of Christ on earth), a future for national Israel, Christ’s death for all mankind, promoting Biblical family values, permanency of marriage, male leadership in the home, male pastoral leadership in the church with congregational participation, and we are non-ecumenical in evangelism and ministry. We also promote the teaching of separation of the people of God from worldliness, apostasy, Charismatic doctrine (speaking in tongues for today) and do not promote disorderly expressions of worship in our church services that are reflected in the progressive rock culture of our day. Out of the Bible teaching on separation comes reverence for God’s House (Ps. 89:7; Heb. 12:28) which is reflected in modest dress (1 Tim. 2:9), godly music (Eph. 5:19), and sound doctrine (Titus 2:1) which have always been part of the conservative church movement. Note: For a more detailed explanation of our church doctrinal beliefs and practices, see the church constitution. WHY should you join this church? GOD’S PURPOSE: God's desire for every believer is to identify with a local church that meets together regularly and which is united under an organized Biblical structure (Acts 2:42, 46; 14:27; 15:30; 1 Cor. 5:4; 11:20; Heb. 10:25). Acts 2:42 says that the early church “continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

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The Bible reveals that the early church came together for:

 Doctrinal teaching Personal fellowship Remembrance of the Lord's Table United prayers. The congregational members did participate in various decisions of the church by interacting with the leadership's direction for the church ministry (1 Peter 5:1-4; Heb. 13:7, 17). The people submitted names of potential leaders, voted for missionaries, and supported various matters, including disciplinary matters (Acts 15:2, 6, 22, 23; 6:3, 6; Matt. 18:17; I Cor. 5:4, 5, 13). God’s purpose for you to identify with a local church is clearly revealed in the Bible. Congregations came together, served together, grew together, and stood together as they faced difficult times. GROWTH: Being part of a local assembly, which follows the design and practice of the early church, will provide for the believer the most efficient route to Biblical and spiritual maturity. The Bible being taught will bring growth into the believer's life (I Peter 2:2). Through the preaching of God’s Word lives are transformed for God’s glory. Ephesians 4:11-12 says that God gave the gift of pastors and teachers “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." The Berean Bible Church has pastors that preach and teach the Bible to help advance your spiritual growth and understanding of Scripture. GIFTS: You can serve in this local church by using your spiritual gifts. The Bible speaks of the gifts of ministry, helps, mercy, teaching, exhortation, ruling (organization), giving, evangelism (Rom. 12:7-8; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11). The Bible says that we should “stir up” (rekindle) the gift that God has given to us and use it in serving the Lord in local church ministry (2 Tim. 1:6). 7 Commitments Of Church Membership

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Joining or becoming a member of the Berean Bible Church does involve several commitments on your part. Let’s explain these commitments in a simple and clear fashion.

SALVATION (Get into God’s Family!)

Becoming a church member does NOT save you (Eph. 2:8-9). However, a person’s salvation should be a necessary requirement for church membership. Every person needs to KNOW that Christ died for their sins (paying God’s penalty of judgment for their sins) and that Christ was buried (proving the finality of His death) and that He rose from the dead in order to give you eternal life in Heaven. This is the Gospel or good news (1 Cor. 15:3-4). You can be saved from hell and find everlasting life through Jesus Christ. Placing your faith in Christ’s finished world on your behalf assures of salvation (Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:17). When we truly place our faith, belief, or confidence in Jesus Christ alone to be our Savior, it involves committing our soul and future destiny to Him (2 Tim. 1:12). Submersion (Get baptized!)

If you have not been baptized by submersion or immersion, then this is a necessary commitment to following Christ and step to becoming a church member here at Berean. This is because baptism is a clear command of Christ (Matt. 28:19) and is the initial or first step of discipleship that expresses one’s desire to identify with Christ, Christianity, and follow a new consecrated way of living. If a Christian does not want to be baptized, then they are not really serious about following Jesus. Baptism by submersion (Acts 8:38) pictures death to the old man we used to be before we were saved, burial of the old life, and the resurrection of a new life to be lived for the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-5). SANCTIFICATION (Get Growing!)

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No two Christians are at the same place in their spiritual growth. But the important thing is that we are continually growing and seeking to move forward in our Christian experience of sanctification which speaks of being set apart unto God through consecration, holiness, and overall spiritual growth in both character and conduct.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 says that “this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” 1 Timothy 4:12 also states that we are to be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Sanctification or spiritual growth is a lifelong process. R. B. Ouellette said this about spiritual growth and sanctification: “Find out what God likes and do it. Find out what God does not like and don’t do it!” Good advice!

SERVING (Get Going!)

You should not only join the Berean Bible Church to find out what it can do for you, you should join the church to find out what you can do for the church. The Bible teaches that we should be serving the Lord with the gift or gifts He has given to us. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As every man hath received the gift (or a gift), even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Our service to the Lord and others should be expressed through the ministry of the local church. Romans 12:11 declares: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” We can serve the Lord in many ways. However, when we serve the Lord, we can be sure that we will also serve others with the gifts He has given to us. The Bible teaches that we are all important in the body of Christ and can have a special place of service in the local church life and ministry (1 Cor. 12:4-23). SUPPLY (Get Giving to God’s Work)

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When becoming a member of a local church, the Bible reveals that God’s people should be committed to financially supporting God's House. Church ministries need faithful stewards (1 Cor. 4:2) to keep a church functioning properly. 1 Corinthians 16:2 says: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Every Christian should learn to give and financially assist the local church. Many Christians generously give 10% of their income which is a reflection upon God’s requirement for Old Testament giving. Without such giving, many churches would likely struggle financially. However, the New Testament and grace giving does not reveal a specific percentage. Rather, it reveals that God’s people should give:  Systematically (1 Cor. 16:2) Proportionately (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:11b-12) Willingly (2 Cor. 8:3, 11-12; 16:3; 1 Timothy 6:18) Honestly – (2 Cor. 8:2) – sincere and without hypocrisy Joyfully – (2 Corinthians 8:2, 9:7) Lovingly (2 Corinthians 8:8) Sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:2-3) Graciously (2 Cor. 8:1, 6, 7, 9; 1 Cor. 16:3) – motivated by grace – not by any demand or law. We should give to the Lord that which costs us something – time and energy (1 Chronicles 21:24). Two things will matter for eternity: What you are and what you have given.

SYNCHRONIZATION (Get With the Program!)

This commitment involves following ministry procedures and not trying to become a distraction and discouragement to others in the church ministry. Some saints try and have the “preeminence” or control over the rest of the saints (3 John 9) by forcing their own ideas, mindsets, and personal agendas on the rest of God’s people. This is not God’s design nor does this type of attitude promote

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corporate fellowship and unity. Psalm 133:1 says: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Also, we should join a church ministry with a serving heart and loving spirit toward other people, which means we must sometimes honor the convictions of others and seek unity in this way. Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (above your own interests and desires). Romans 14:19“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Sometimes we must even limit our personal liberties while meeting together in order to not offend and become a distraction to other saints.

Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh (by selfishly using it in a way that might cause others to stumble or be discouraged in some way), but by love serve one another.” Dr. Charles Ryrie comments on the above verses in this way: “Do everything possible including restricting your freedom, to encourage the spiritual life of your fellow believer.” This means we don’t always get our own way, but we can, out of love for others, limit certain liberties that we might have for the sake of expressing love toward the brethren and honoring their convictions.

Learning together, growing together, fellowshipping together, praying together, sticking together, serving together, pulling together, and being unified together. All

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of this should be experienced as we share our lives together in this church assembly.

Being unified together with others in a local church setting is important. This means that when you decide to become a member of the Berean Bible Church, you can joyfully and willingly accept some basic unifying standards established by this elders in this local assembly, knowing that they help promote unity among the brethren. This brings us to our final point on the matter of expressing commitment in this local church.

STANDARDS(Get Following)

The Bible teaches that elders can set ministry standards as part of unifying the church and that God’s people should “obey them that have the rule over you” (Heb. 13:7). This would include following their doctrinal teaching and other practical unifying directives they establish for church ministry and life. Following church leadership is one form of Biblical authority. John Miles said: “Rules can make group living more pleasant, declare a stand, and help establish order in lives that are undisciplined.”

Some evangelical Christians will tell you that any type of erected standard is LEGALISM. Of course, if you believe this, you probably also believe in Big Foot and the Abominable Snowman! If rules mean legalism, then God is a legalist for He gave 613 of them! Even the most relaxed churches have some standards. I’m sure they don’t allow their youth directors to hand out

marijuana to their teens nor can their choir members sing in bathing suits or bikinis! Leonard Ravenhill said: “When there’s something in the Bible that churches don’t like, they call it legalism.”

We must remember that grace living is not unrestricted living (Titus 2:11-12; Rom. 6:1-15), liberty is not license or radical individualism, and standards are not legalism. Legalism means that we observe or follow a rule in order to bring us

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salvation and acceptance before God (Acts 15:1) or we, in our own strength and power, try and use some kind of legal code to produce sanctification and victory in our lives (Rom. 7:7-25), outside the Holy Spirit’s power and assistance (Gal. 5:16, 25). Nor does the implementation of some basic standards result in the attitude of legalists who compare themselves with other people. The Bible forbids this. 2 Corinthians 10:12 says, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” We should not point to others and play the “holier than thou” game. Please note that no standards are imposed on the unsaved (1 Cor. 5:12-13) who visit our assembly or those Christians who are new to the assembly and non-members. Let us also remember that God saves people just the way they are! Furthermore, we do not want to show partiality toward God’s people in any way (James 2:1-4). We want to be gracious to the unsaved and to newcomers. We will not hold other brethren in contempt or look down upon them in any way. Rather, our attitude should be to encourage them (2 Thess. 3:15). LIFESTYLE STANDARDS: The Berean Bible Church has some basic standards which church members are expected to embrace in their everyday living. CHARACTER transformation (Gal. 5:22-23) and CONDUCT transformation (1 Pet. 1:16) are both important. In light of this, church members should refrain from such things as the use of alcohol (social drinking), tobacco, gambling, gossip, dancing, attending the movie theater, maintaining a distinction among the sexes, strive for overall purity in their life, educate themselves and seek to listen to God-honoring music that does not reflect rebellion, promote modesty in their dress, maintain their present marriage (no divorce), and not participate with organizations and movements that promote apostasy and doctrinal error (Prov. 13:11; 23:30; 1 Tim. 6:8-10; Prov. 11:13; 1 Tim. 5:13; Rom. 12:2; Ps. 101:3; Eph. 5:11; 1 Pet. 4:4; 1 Cor. 11:14-15; 1 Tim. 2:9; Eph. 5:18; Col. 3:16; Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:8; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; 2 John 11).

Remember that in both our character (fruit of the Spirit) and conduct (fruit of living) we should want to represent Christianity in the best possible light. Also, we don’t want to become a stumbling block to others (1 Cor. 8:13). D. L. Moody once said, “Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me.” You are the

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only Bible some people will ever read!

CHURCH STANDARDS: These are standards (operational guidelines) that are incorporated for church ministry. They are designed to promote order (1 Cor. 14:40), modesty (1 Tim. 2:9), reverence (Ps. 89:7), and unity in the church (Ps. 133:1). LADIES: The pastor’s wife introduces the issue of modesty to the ladies who are church members. This summary can be found inside the pink envelope in the foyer of the church. Our ladies who are members are asked to wear a skirt or dress to church to accommodate the convictions of others in the assembly and maintain our history of conservatism. MEN: The pastor has also prepared a yellow envelope for those men who attend church and their responsibilities as servants of the Lord. Men should be expected to reflect maleness in their overall appearance and actions (1 Cor. 11:15).

WORSHIP SERVICES: The worship in the services of Berean Bible Church is non-contemporary which means it is traditional, truth-centered, orderly, non-charismatic, and reverent (Ps. 89:7; 1 Cor. 14:40). All those who

participate in special music will be expected to align themselves with this ministry standard which will be supervised by oversight of the elders. We do not raise hands and illicit strong emotional outbursts that might draw attention to ourselves. These actions can become distracting to others in the congregation. Take for instance the raising of hands during worship. Although you might have the liberty to express your worship in this way, you don’t have the liberty to discourage other saints or disrupt their worship. We should want to edify them (Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 10:23; 1 Thess. 5:11). As brethren, we should function together as a loving and considerate body even in the area of our worship (Gal. 5:13). Liberty always has limits. Besides, all true worship occurs on the inside (John 4:24; Ps. 4:4) and not necessarily on the outside.

Paul exhorted the Philippians to always consider others before themselves (1

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Peter 5:5-6). This principle will go a long way in keeping disharmony from entering our fundamental church ministry.

We also provide a Sunday School and nursery for children so we can be free from distractions as we study the Bible and worship together. We are a “family church” because we have a ministry for the entire family. We want to accommodate the young children and offer a curriculum on their level. We can also give the parents the privilege to sit under God’s Word and grow in their Christian lives (1 Pet. 2:2) by helping to watch their children in the nursery while the main service is in session. There are four simple reasons to keep younger children out of the services:

 Respect for God’s people who sit around us, Reverence for God’s Word as it’s being preached, Regulating and maintaining order and decorum in the church services, Responsibility of parents to do what is right and sensible, Reliable wireless monitor system for contacting mothers. 1 Peter 3:8 declares: “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” MALE LEADERSHIP & CHURCH MEETINGS

Only men will be elders, deacons, and servant leaders in this church assembly (1 Tim. 3:1, 8; Titus 1:6). Only men will preach in the corporate gatherings (1 Tim.

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2:12), pray (1 Tim. 2:8), and manifest roles of leadership within the church (directing choirs, speaking in the official meetings).

Only male members will be able to ask questions during our annual business meetings based upon the Biblical procedures given to the local assemblies (1 Tim. 2:11). These conclusions are based upon the Biblical model and roles of creation (Gen. 2:18-22) and clear instruction of the church epistles (1 Tim. 2:12-14). Of course, women can teach Sunday School classes for children, women’s Bible studies, and give personal testimonies during church services. There should be no grievances or displays of anger exhibited at the annual business meetings. This will only cause disorder and violate the principle of peace and order as stated in 1 Cor. 14:33, 40. Also, this will not promote unity or the fruit of the Spirit among the saints (Galatians 5:22-23). Any grievances can be taken care of throughout the year. The annual business meeting should be a blessing meeting when we reflect upon God’s provision.

CHURCH FINANCES

Elders and deacons will also have oversight of the church finances (Acts 6:1-4; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:18-21). No two families within the church would perhaps choose to operate their budget in the exact same manner. The same would be true for those families in the area of church finances. No two families would do it exactly the same. That’s why there needs to be established leadership presiding over the church funds. Likewise, there always needs to be authority and submission within church life and ministry, even the area of money within the church (Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). The love of money and the ruling of money in the hearts of God’s people have caused great conflicts in the church (1 Timothy 6:10).

Here at the church, we are also very careful about using God’s money wisely. Romans 12:17 says we are to “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” 2 Corinthians 8:18-21 declares: “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” Finally, 2 Corinthians 6:3 adds this command: “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed.”

G. Campbell Morgan said:

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“It is the business of the Christian community to do its business in such a way that men of the world will have no cause to suspect anything contrary to righteousness in its affairs.”

DIVORCE & REMMARIAGE STATEMENT

The matter of divorce and remarriage has become a divisive issue in many churches. We want to state our policy very clearly on this matter. We welcome all divorced couples into our church and the leaders within this church will seek to always strengthen

their present marriage (Eph. 4:11-12; Rev. 3:2). Divorced people are never frowned upon but fully accepted in assembly life (James 3:16-17). The leadership’s view of divorce is that God created marriage to be permanent (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:8), that God hates and forbids it (Malachi 2:16; Matt. 19:8), that remarriage to someone else is committing adultery by violating the marriage covenant (Matt. 5:32), and that marriage is designed to be for life (Rom. 7:2-3). The elders believe and teach that those who are divorced and remarried are forgiven (1 Cor. 6:9-11) and can be restored to God’s fellowship (Ps. 51:10; 1 John 1:9). They do not live in perpetual adultery. Those who violate their present marriage covenant as members are open to church discipline (1 Cor. 5:11). Note: It is the elder’s conviction of this local assembly to not perform a marriage ceremony for any person that is divorced while that person’s original spouse is still living. In doing so, he would be endorsing adultery (Eph. 5:11) and could not in good conscience (Rom. 14:23) perform the wedding ceremony.

We want your time at the church to be a sanctifying and satisfying experience for your entire family. We want you to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and learn the disciplines of a godly life (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

George Sweeting once said: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

Here at the Berean Bible Church we do not seek to “major on minors” (Matt. 23:24) but the main things

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regarding Biblical exposition of the Bible, Christian living, growth, service, and the development of a deepening walk and relationship with God. The main thing is to keep a right attitude in ministry, keep focused on Christ (Phil. 1:21; 3:10), keep your heart open, and God will bless your life.

Every Christian desiring to join this assembly will be expected to sign a statement which signifies they espouse the doctrinal beliefs and practices of this local church. Statement to be Signed by the Prospective Member: “At this stage in my Christian walk, I desire to become a member of the Berean Bible Church. I pledge to live for Jesus Christ by His transforming grace and in doing so espouse the doctrinal beliefs of this church and pledge to live a sanctifying life, honoring the standards agreement of the church. I will respect the pastoral leadership in this assembly and be open to God’s leading, direction, and spiritual growth.”  

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