Why is church membership important?

You do not have to join a church to become a Christian. However, being part of a church family will help you grow as a Christian. Although we are saved individually, God calls us to be part of a family of believers, not only for ourselves, but also for others. To be uninterested in the spiritual welfare of others contradicts the very nature of the Christian faith. In addition, you will find that being part of a community of faith enriches your life in many other ways.

What do I need to do to join FBCC?

• Trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• Experience believer’s baptism.
• Join during the invitation portion of a Sunday worship service or visit with a staff member about joining.

Why does FBCC practice baptism by immersion?

Being baptized does not make you a Christian; it is an act of obedience. If a person has not accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, baptism is a meaningless ritual. But for the person who has begun a new life in Christ, baptism is a witness to what Jesus has done. Baptism is the reenactment of the burial and resurrection of Jesus.

When a person is placed under the water during baptism, it is a picture of Jesus being buried for our sins and our dying to an old way of life. When the person being baptized is pulled up from the water, it symbolizes Jesus being resurrected from the grave and the beginning of a new life. Baptism is also a picture of our future.

All of us will die and be buried; but as Christians, we will be raised from the grave to be with Christ in heaven. Baptism is a way we give witness to the work of Jesus in us.

What or who is the authority for the FBCC Family of Faith?

Jesus is the head of the church and the Bible is our authority. We may not all interpret Scripture in the same way, but we agree that we will not knowingly disobey the Bible. Every Christian has direct access to God through prayer and Scripture, so no one person in the church is the authority.

We allow God to guide the church through the church’s leaders and the vote of the congregation. Every member has an equal vote. All decisions by the church should be preceded by prayer and be in the agreement with the Bible.

How does the church pay for the ministries, programs, & buildings?

Our tithes, offerings, and other voluntary gifts pay for all the ministries, missions, and buildings of FBCC. Every member is expected to contribute tithes and offerings.

All giving is voluntary and no amount is ever assigned, but we do expect our members to strive to be good stewards by giving 10% of their income to the ministry budget of the church.

What are my responsibilities as an FBCC member?

• Attend and participate in weekly Bible study and worship.
• Use your natural talents and spiritual gifts to serve God.
• Seek to do the will of God in your daily life.
• Give to the ministry budget of the church.
• Encourage others to participate in the ministries of the church.
• Invite others to accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

How can I become involved at FBCC?

• Join a First Family Bible Study Class.
• Volunteer to serve in a ministry area.
• Attend Wednesday night Prayer and Bible study.
• Volunteer for a short-term missions event.
• Join a choir.

How can I know for sure that I am a Christian?

The Bible tells us in Romans 10:9-10 that through confessing Christ Jesus with your mouth and believing in your heart, you will be saved. Not only does God want you to become a Christian, He wants you to be secure in your relationship with Him. The following suggestions will help you to be certain you are a child of God.

• Thank God that your salvation does not depend upon your good works, but upon His grace.
• Be obedient to God’s Word in daily living. Sinful actions cause you to feel insecure and uncertain. Obedience give evidence that you are in relationship with Christ.
• Confess your sin through daily prayer. Unconfessed sinful actions and attitudes minimize the joy of our faith.
• Participate in both worship and service to God. When you neglect either of these, the assurance of your permanent relationship with God diminishes.

How do I know the will of God for my life?

• Read the Bible. It is never God’s will for us to disobey Scripture.
• Ask God to help you interpret the Scripture, as well as the circumstances in your life.
• Seek the counsel of others who give evidence they are living within the will of God.