Affiliation
The body of believers who are the members of this church is committed to discovering and
following the will of Christ, its head, in making decisions and taking action. This church is
autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of any
denominational control. Recognizing, however, the benefits of cooperation with other
churches and world missions, this church, in so far as is practical, may voluntarily affiliate
with certain local, state, or national Baptist Conventions that align with our doctrinal
beliefs for the purpose of sharing the gospel.
Membership and Baptism
Regarding baptism, we believe it to be unsuitable to deny membership to a person who, by faith in Jesus Christ, gives evidence of being born again into a new life in Christ. This implies that Christians who have not been baptized by immersion as believers, but, as they believe, by another mode, may under some circumstances be members.
Thus, we will welcome into membership those desiring to be so after a period of study and
prayer, retain the conviction that it would be contrary to their conscience to be re-baptized
by immersion. This conviction of conscience ought to be based on a plausible, intelligible
adherence to the aforementioned Essential Beliefs.
We will not admit into membership persons who reject or refuse to practice any form of
baptism at all. This would constitute a serious rejection of the Lord’s commandment, and a
misunderstanding of the work of the Holy Spirit.