Membership Steps

Hernando Baptist Church Membership Steps

We CONNECT with other Christians
by joining a local church.

We are so glad you are considering joining Hernando Baptist Church! 
In His infinite wisdom, sovereignty, and goodness, God has granted Christians in local churches the privilege and responsibility of representing
and proclaiming Jesus Christ to the world (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor 5:20; 1 Pt 2:9). When Christians join Hernando Baptist Church, they are willingly placing themselves into accountable relationships with church leaders (Heb 13:7, 17) and other members for the purpose of discipleship (Mt 28:19-20) and, if necessary, discipline (Mt 18:15-20). The membership of Hernando Baptist Church consists of persons who profess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and have been baptized by immersion. Anyone desiring membership should complete these steps:

Step One:

Attend and complete a Discover HBC luncheon/class.

Learn more about Hernando Baptist Church ministries and opportunities. These classes are scheduled periodically throughout the year.

Register

Step Two:

Complete Response Pages to indicate the desire for membership by baptism, statement of faith, or transfer of letter from a church of like faith and practice, and make the Membership Commitment.

Step Three:

Be approved for membership by a vote during a Church Family Meeting

Church Family Meetings are held approximately four times throughout the year on a Sunday evening. Names of new members are presented for vote during the meeting. 

FAQs About Membership at HBC

Why does hbc have a membership process?

Church membership matters. The church is not a social or civic club. The church is a group of Christians that God has united to Christ and each other (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13). A local church should be God's active and loving presence in the world. HBC has a membership process in order to educate people about the importance of being Christian and to encourage them to be consistently committed to other Christians.

Do I have to go through hbc's membership process to become a member?

Yes. This process gives church leadership an opportunity to know new people and to learn how we can help them become more devoted followers of Jesus Christ. If for some reason, you cannot attend one of the Discover HBC Luncheons, please schedule a time to discuss membership with a staff member. Please email [email protected] or call 662.429.6361.

Do I have to go through hbc's membership process to become a member?

We ask that you write these things out so that we can hear how God has saved you and how God is currently working in your life. If you would rather talk to a staff member about your salvation story and baptismal experience, please email [email protected] or call the church office at 662.429.6361.

can i get baptized without becoming a member?

No. We believe that baptism is a local church ordinance which demonstrates that people are united with Christ and with Christ's church. Baptism is a public display of God's work in a person's life.

can i become a member if i was baptized as an infant?

Some people have been baptized as infants in other Christians denominations, but as Baptists, we believe in believer's baptism by immersion. This means that the act of baptism follows a person's profession of faith and that a person is completely immersed in water to demonstrate that God gave new life to a person who was spiritually dead (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-41).

Do I have to walk down the aisle to join?

No, but if you would like to do so, you will encourage others to obey the Lord in their own lives. If you walk down the aisle and publicly declare your intention to joining HBC, you will still need to go through HBC's membership process.
Membership Commitment at Hernando Baptist Church
At this time, I believe that the Holy Spirit is leading me to unite with the Hernando Baptist Church family.
I have received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, been baptized by immersion, and agree with Hernando Baptist's statements, strategies,
and structure. Therefore, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
  1. I will abide in Christ
A. by praying (Mt 6:9-13)
B. by studying God's Word (2 Tm 3:14-17)
C. by submitting to the authority of the Scriptures in all things (Ps 119).
2. I will connect with Christians
A. by consistently attending corporate worship and small groups (Heb 10:25)
B. by entering into accountable relationships with other members (Heb 10:24)
C. by following church leadership as they follow Christ (1 Cor 11:1)
D. by promoting unity and peace for the sake of the Gospel (Rom 15:5-6).
3. I will serve all people
A. by discovering and using my gifts and talents (1 Cor 12:1-11)
B. by being equipped to serve by church leadership (Eph 4:11-12)
C. by giving regularly to the church and missions (2 Cor 9:6-15).
4. I will share the Gospel
A. by living a godly and holy life (1 Pt 1:14-19)
B. by loving and ministering to lost people (Jn 4:1-42)
C. by telling them the Good News about Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:1-8)
D. by discipling them with the Scriptures (Mt 28:20).