Becoming a Member

Why Should I Join a Church?

The Bible teaches us that membership in the local church is necessary for all believers and important for our spiritual well-being.

In the New Testament, the Apostles planted churches in cities where they ministered. Then they appointed pastors, elders and deacons to be the spiriutal leaders and caretakers of those churches (Acts 14:23).

• Pastors were called to preach the Word for the salvation of sinners (Romans 10: 14; II Timothy 4:2)
• Elders were appointed to be the spiritual shepherds and overseers of the church (Titus 1:5)
• Deacons were appointed to minister to those in need within the church (Acts 6:1-3).    

From this we can see that God intended to use the local church as the primary means of providing for the spiritual care and well-being of believers. This is the way God saves sinners, feeds his flock, keeps us acountable, and helps provide for the needs of God's people everywhere. The church is essentially the family of God on earth that is joined together as One Body in Jesus Christ (John 15:5). Basically, those who believe in Jesus Christ ought to be members of the local church.  

How do I Join Bethel? 

The first step in becoming a member of Bethel is to simply talk to our Pastor or to any of the elders and express your desire to join Bethel. From there we will guide you through the process.  

The steps you will take to become a member of Bethel depend upon your current membership status:

• Not Currently a Church Member? You may need to go through a membership class. Our Pastor will explain what is involved in that class, but basically you will learn the fundamental truths of the Christian faith. Then you will make public profession of faith in Jesus Christ (a simple attestation of what you believe). If you have not yet been baptized, then this will be done upon your profession of faith.
• Already a Church Member? If you have already publicly professed your faith in another church, then you can be admitted as a member after meeting with our elders and discussing your faith with them.
• Transferring your membership? If you are a member of a sister church in our Federation or a member of a church that is similar in faith, then you can transfer your membership to Bethel. This is typically done by asking an elder in your previous church to mail your membership papers to the Bethel church secretary. Then, once we receive and process your membership, you will be officially welcomed in church on a date that works for you.

New Members Reception:    

The Fellowship Committee at Bethel will organize a "New Members Cake Reception" after you join. This is a wonderful way for us all to celebrate this happy occasion with you and it gives us another opportunity to enjoy the loving fellowship of the Bethel church family.