Becoming a Member
of First Baptist

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (Romans 12:4-5)

What does it mean to be a member of FBC?

As Christians, we are members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19) called to function, participate and minister in a particular place within the body of Christ. A healthy human body requires that each member be both connected and contribute. A healthy, Biblically-functioning church requires the same: members who are sacrificially committed and well-equipped to do the work of service that God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10; 4:12).

What are the requirements of becoming a member?

A FBC member is on board with the vision and mission of FBC; they confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they confess Christ publicly in baptism and they agree with First Baptist Church on theological essentials. Members give of their time, treasure and talents. They attend worship services; they are actively involved in FBC community through their involvement in a life group; and they are engaged in Christ's mission through service. If you are already doing all these things, you are essentially a member. However, we encourage active church members to be officially affirmed and welcomed by the congregation.

How can I become an official member of FBC?

The Connecting Class is the entry point to being officially recognized as a member of First Baptist Church. This is a three and a-half-hour course they provides information on First Baptist Church's beliefs, vision, mission strategy, and an opportunity for Q & A. Register at fbc-everett.org Further steps in the member process will be discussed as part of the class.

Is membership Biblical?

Some people contend that we needn't be a member of a local church because, as Christians, we are members of the universal church-the worldwide body of Christ. While it is true that everyone who worships Jesus is part of one global church body, God's Word also recognizes smaller congregations as "churches" and encourages them to be organized.

In Acts 20:28, the Apostle Paul instructs the elders in the church at Ephesus to keep watch of the flock over which God made them overseers. Keeping watch over the flock would be impossible if members were not known. Paul also instructed the Ephesians regarding the importance of church life and speaks of an intimacy of relationship with Christ and with one another. "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:16)