Becoming a Member
Membership is open to anyone who personally confesses faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour; who has been baptised by immersion and is willing to subscribe openly to the doctrines, practices and objectives of this fellowship and has a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of the Scriptures. Our members believe that God gives Spiritual gifts to the Church, but does not accept that speaking in tongues, or the exercise of any Spiritual gift, as a mandatory sign of receiving or being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Members should share their views with the fellowship in humility and Christian love, while at the same time accepting that others may differ from them, so that no harm is done to the unity of the Spirit or the bond of peace. Members accept the responsibility of caring for one another in whatever ways they can, spiritually, materially and socially. Members should seek to discover, develop and exercise their gifts and talents in personal ministry so that the fellowship may be built up and increased.
Believing non-members, as members of the Body of Christ, are to be encouraged to share as fully as they can in all aspects of the life of the fellowship and be encouraged also towards obedience, even as all members should encourage one another to obey Christ in all things.
If you would like to consider membership of our church, contact the Secretary or an elder who will arrange for you to be given a copy of the constitution and informed of the doctrines, practices and objectives of this fellowship.
Church Meetings
Our constitution reminds us that the overall purpose of a church (business) meeting is for gathering of members to “worship and discern the Lord’s leading in its overall direction”. It is not to manage the business of the church, though some of this may happen, it is not to engage in heated debate and it is not about voting to obtain a slim majority on a contentious issue. We seek to discern God’s will through consensus. If consensus is not able to be achieved the matter is postponed for prayer and further discussion. However, all believers are encouraged to help discern God’s will for the fellowship if a matter arises which requires a formal vote. Only members who have attained the age of 18 years may cast a vote.
Baptism
Baptism is a symbolic act that represents the salvation of an individual. It is often called “Believer’s Baptism” . We believe that the symbolism of being baptised (being plunged under water and then brought up again) is an illustration of burial and resurrection. This indicates a believer re-enacting Jesus’ death and resurrection as being a substitute for his or her own burden of sin. Baptism does not make a person right with God, but is an expression of an inner spiritual commitment.
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit . We do this by immersion because we see baptism by immersion as the precedent set forth in Scripture. Also, the original Greek word for baptism, baptizo, literally means “to immerse.” We baptise in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit because that is what Jesus commanded in the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20).
Baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus was baptised by John to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus is our example. The early church throughout the book of Acts associated believing in Christ with baptism (Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33).
Baptism symbolises the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:3-5 states, “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptised into His death?“
Baptism is a testimony to a new believer’s faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Phil. 3:8-11, ” … but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, …“
From Acts 2:37 onwards…
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying,
“Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
The Fellowship of the Believers
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
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