Membership Expectations
Jesus Christ said, "I will build My church." From this we can see that, more than being a member of this or any local church, being a member of Jesus' church is what is truly important. Our role at ABC is to provide the local community in which we each live out the membership expectations that Jesus set out. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself."
Both of these "loves" are lived out in committed faithfulness - a decision to love that is demonstrated in consistent behavior.
We expect our members to pursue spiritual maturity (become all that God has called them to be), to serve one another and tell others about God's love (do all that God has called them to do).
This plays out in personal growth, regular attendance, willing service, generous giving, and consistent outreach.
To become a member of Amherst Baptist Church, a person must recognize that they have sin in their lives that keeps them out of fellowship with God who is Holy and Pure. They must ask forgiveness from God for their sin, trusting in the death of His Son, Jesus, who took the punishment of sin upon Himself by dying on a cross and overcoming the power of sin when He was resurrected from the dead. This is called "being saved" - from sin - and "born again" - starting a new life that is not controlled by sin. At that point, the person is a member of the body of Christ and is guaranteed a place in heaven as well as God's presence with him on earth.
The Bible also teaches and provides numerous examples that once we are saved, we are to be baptized as a public demonstration of the commitment that we have made to follow Christ. This baptism adds nothing to our salvation but does demonstrate that we are serious about the decision we have made and are willing to be obedient to the things God shows us to do through His Word. As we cannot judge a person's heart, but can see outward obedience, this baptism - as a believer - is also a requirement of membership here.
If you have further questions about membership, please contact us either by email or phone; and, as always, you are certainly welcome to visit us for any of our services or studies/fellowships.