Grace Baptist Church

Article V - Membership

   1. Section 1 - Requirements for Membership

The membership of this church shall consist of only those who have given a credible profession of faith in Christ Jesus as Lord. Any person who professes repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been baptized, and who expresses substantial agreement with the doctrines, covenant, aims, and government of this church, shall be eligible for membership.

         1. Upon Confession Of Faith - Any person who meets the above mentioned requirements shall apply for membership to the Pastor or one of the other church officers. A time and place shall be set for a meeting with the applicant, who shall attend and be questioned as to his or her basic Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to support wholeheartedly the total ministry of this church.

         2. By Letter - Any person desiring to unite with this church, upon letter of recommendation from another evangelical church, shall present such letter, or a promise thereof, to officers of the church and shall be examined concerning his or her Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to support wholeheartedly the total ministry of this church.

   2. Section 2 - Forms of Membership

         1. Regular - All who are received into the membership of the church on the above mentioned conditions shall be considered members in good standing until such status is changed by one of the conditions set forth in Article V, Section 4.

         2. Other - The membership status of invalids, shut-ins, Christian workers, and others whose relationship to the church involves special consideration and circumstances, shall be determined on a case by case basis.

   3. Section 3 - Procedure of Receiving New Members

When the responsible church officers are satisfied that an applicant gives a credible profession of faith and meets the requirements for membership, they may accept that person as a member, by a two-thirds vote. The right hand of fellowship will be extended to new members by the church at a regular worship service.

   4. Section 4 - Termination of Membership

         1. By Dismissal - Letters of dismissal shall be granted to members who apply for them, provided they are in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of the application. When such letters have been granted, the relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Letters of dismissal shall be forwarded and given only to other evangelical churches.

         2. By Exclusion - If a member is habitually absent from the stated meetings of this church without just cause, or is unwilling to settle differences with others in a Scriptural manner, or requests severance of membership, he may be excluded from the membership at the discretion of the Elders, subject to the approval of the congregation.

         3. By Excommunication - It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures for the congregation, upon recommendation of the Elders, to exclude from this fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine; or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his profession; or who lives in violation of the law or public morals; or who walks disorderly; or who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church (Matt. 10:15ff; 1 Cor. 5:1ff; 2 Thess. 3:6,11,15; Romans 16:17).