Becoming a member

What is the process of becoming a member here at Sunnybank District Baptist Church?

1. Attendance at  a membership class where applicants will receive a copy of our Church Constitution, our Doctrinal Beliefs, and discover the Responsibilities of membership at S.D.B.C..

2. Fill in an application form.

3. The names of applicants  will be printed in the church bulletin on two consecutive weeks.

4. An interview is conducted by two people who are part of the church here already.

5. Approval is then given by the Pastoral Team.

6. New members are received into membership by a written letter (informing them of their acceptance) and also publicly during a Sunday service (this is optional).

"Jesus said,  ‘I will build my church' . . ."   Matthew 16:18b

When Jesus said this, he was not talking about a church building or a denomination.  In the Bible, the church is referred to in two different ways:

When Jesus said this, he was not talking about a church building or a denomination.  In the Bible, the church is referred to in two different ways:

⌙ As the body of Christ composed of all believers around the world, and
⌙ As a local body of believers.

Thus, the Christian church is both universal and local.  The church is universal in that it is made up of all people who have believed, repented, confessed and been baptised into Christ, in all places throughout time.  The church is local in that some of these same people form into local congregations like the church in Corinth, or the church at Thessalonica, or the church at Sunnybank, or the church at any place.

Membership in the universal church is automatic upon our becoming obedient followers of Christ.  Membership in the local church is based upon our individual choice to join whichever local fellowship we want to commit ourselves to. There are responsibilities that come with church membership.  It is the members responsibility to:

⌙ Support the testimony of the church: by attending faithfully, living a godly life, by giving regularly, and by giving a credible verbal witness.

⌙ Connect with others within the church: by attending home groups or small groups within our church community, sharing fellowship over morning tea/supper, attending members meetings, praying for others and loving one another.

⌙ Protect the unity of the church: by growing spiritually on a personal level, communicating well with others, not gossiping, and by being loyal to the people and the church here at S.D.B.C..

⌙ Share the responsibilities of the church: by praying for its growth, inviting the unchurched, by welcoming newcomers, and learning your testimony.

⌙ Serve in the church: by discovering your gifts and talents, using them in a ministry area, being trained and equipped, and to develop a servant's heart.

What are some biblical reasons for joining a church?

⌙ You prove that you are not ashamed to identify with Christ or His people.

⌙ You stop being an independent Christian - you are accountable to the others in your local church.

⌙ You openly demonstrate the reality of the body of Christ.

⌙ You encourage others to be committed to the local body of Christ. 
⌙ You participate in a more balanced ministry and demonstrate your commitment to the proper working of each part.

Church membership goes beyond merely attending, worshipping together, or socialising doesn't it?

Becoming a member of the local church here is a process.  This brochure is only a very quick summary of why we at S.D.B.C. believe church membership is important.  If you have further questions or would like a more in-depth look at biblical references or materials about membership then please make enquiries at the church office.