1. Why does FBC Lindale value membership?
While being a Christian unites us with the worldwide fellowship of the universal Church, we need to unite with a local body of believers to help us live out the Christian faith practically. We believe in practicing meaningful membership because the sign that “we have passed out of death into life” is “because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14). Therefore, we don’t just attend services as detached observers, but we have joyfully made a pledge of commitment towards one another. The process of formally becoming members is significant because the congregation and the pastors need to know the people that are under their care.
2. How do I become a member?
The first step in the membership process is to attend a Discover FBC class. In order to help us better prepare for your visit, please contact the church office at (903) 882-3396 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page. After the class, we will help you schedule an appointment with a pastor for a brief membership interview to discuss the content of the class and your salvation story and answer any further questions you may have. The final step in the membership process is a vote at a Member’s Meeting.
3. What is the purpose of Discover FBC?
We want to make sure you understand the things that are most important to us. Our Statement of Faith is what binds us together as a church, and it is necessary that you understand and agree with what we believe in order to become a member. We will lay out the commitments we make as a church to our members as well as the commitments we ask of members to make for one another.
4. Why a class?
There are some people who have never been a member of a church, and we want to make sure that everyone coming into our church has the opportunity to learn the significance of what it means to be a part of a local church, which is where the gospel is made visible. There are others who come to our church with different theological backgrounds, and we want to make sure that they know about our core convictions. Even if someone comes from a Baptist background, there are distinctives that make First Baptist Lindale unique, and a class is the best means to address all these issues.
5. What is taught during these classes?
The content of the class will cover the history and doctrine of the church as well as the purpose of church membership. We also want to explain how you can participate in our church life through four, core emphases: Worship, Fellowship, Serve, and Impact.
6. When do these classes meet?
Discover FBC usually meets three times a year: once in the spring, once in the summer, and once in the fall. Be sure to be on the lookout in the Sunday announcements for when the next class is scheduled, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Also, if you would take 60 seconds to get connected, we would love to hear from you!