What does it mean to be a member at FBC?
For American Baptists, the local church is the fundamental unit in denominational life. Our Baptist roots date back four centuries to a people seeking the opportunity to worship God as individual members of freely organized and freely functioning local churches. Our denomination maintains the need for autonomous congregations, each responsible for articulating its own doctrine, style of worship and mission. It is up to the members of the congregation to determine and carry out its mission, which for FBC is, “to respond to the call of the Spirit and the teachings of Jesus to learn, love, serve, and seek justice and joy for all.”
At FBC we have a Church Board that consists of members of the church serving as Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Treasurer, Clerk, 6 Ministry Team Leaders, 2 At-Large members, and our Senior Pastor. The Church Board holds two congregational meetings per year for the membership to approve major decisions, for example, nominations for the Church Board (typically in June) and approval of the annual budget (January.) The Church By-laws outline which decisions can be made by the Church Board and which decisions require a vote of members. As of January 2021, FBC recorded 174 members representing 131 households. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 active adults and children who have not joined the church in membership. Becoming a member is one way to commit to the FBC faith community.
What do members say?
“I feel that membership is important as a vital part of my commitment and personal responsibility to the Church.”
–Muriel Dresser
“For most of my life, I have felt disconnected from the life of any church and could never get past what I saw as the deep flaws of Christian churches in general. At FBC I have found a community of like-minded people of all ages who bring to the congregation their education, compassion, desire for service, and deep commitment to the community. Pastor Erika especially has helped me to understand the Bible, its contexts, and its relevance in a way that is both inspirational and reflective. She never shies away from speaking truths and I was ready to be a part of that. I was baptized and became a member at FBC in August of 2019.”
–Emily Diesburg
“I became a member at FBC not just because I wanted it to be my spiritual home, but because it already felt like one. I became a member because I felt like it was a reminder to myself and FBC that we were going to walk together through this season of life. Those in membership to each other say, ‘No matter where our lives take us, you’re always welcome here and you’ll always have my support.’ I sense that message from First Baptist Church, and that is why I became a member.”
–Malachi Nelson
What is the process to become a member at FBC?
The first step to exploring membership is to mention your interest to the Senior Pastor, Erika Marksbury (adults) or Children and Youth Minister, Sean P. Williams (youth.) Then you will meet with Erika and/or Sean to talk about your faith journey and learn generally about the American Baptist denomination and more specifically about FBC. Welcome Classes are also offered periodically for youth and adults seeking to know more about FBC and membership here. After participating in a Welcome Class and/or meeting with Erika/Sean, if you sense God leading you to join in membership at FBC, you can do that in one of three ways: Transfer of Letter, Baptism, or by Christian Experience. These ways to join the church as a member will be explained in the Welcome Class or meetings. Once you have been affirmed into membership by the Church Board, you will be formally welcomed by the congregation during a worship service. This ritual of welcome includes a congregational litany honoring your journey and celebrating your commitment.
We give thanks that you are prayerfully exploring membership with our faith community!