No! We welcome anyone and everyone to attend our worship services, Sunday School classes, Midweek classes, and church events. You don’t need to be a member to experience the fellowship and teaching at First Baptist. However, only members can vote on church matters, serve in ministries, and fully participate in the covenant community we’ve established here.

No. Church membership at First Baptist is completely free. “Membership” isn’t about paying fees & dues. Rather, it’s about committing to the mission of the church and the body of believers here. However, one of our commitments as members is that we give regularly and generously to support the mission of our church, just as the Bible commands all Christians to do.

Yes. Every person who wants to become a member at First Baptist goes through the same process, regardless of their church background. This isn’t because we question your previous church experience, but because we want to make sure you understand what makes First Baptist unique and what commitments we’re making to one another as members here. Plus, we want every prospective member to meet face-to-face with one of our pastors so we can get to know you and help you find your place in our church family.

Typically, the entire process takes about a month and a half. You’ll attend three membership classes (which can be done over three consecutive weeks), then meet with a pastor, and finally be presented to the congregation for affirmation. The timeline can vary depending on scheduling, but we work to move people through the process as efficiently as possible while still being thorough.

Yes. At First Baptist, we practice what’s called “regenerate church membership,” which means only those who have personally repented of their sins and believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ can be members. Children of members don’t automatically become members themselves. Each person, regardless of age, must personally profess faith in Christ, be baptized by immersion following their conversion, and complete our membership process. We’re not just adding names to a roll – we’re affirming that each member has a personal relationship with Jesus.

Yes. Baptism by immersion following your conversion is required for membership. If you have not been baptized, or if you were baptized as an infant or by sprinkling, you’ll need to be baptized by immersion here at First Baptist. This isn’t because we question your salvation, but because we believe the Bible teaches that baptism should be by immersion and should follow a person’s decision to trust Christ. If you have not been baptized by immersion, that’s okay! You can still sign up! We will walk you through it as part of the Membership Process.

Yes. We believe that serving in the ministries of our church should be done by those who are committed to our mission, our beliefs, and our community. Membership is how we ensure that everyone serving is on the same page about what we believe and where we’re headed as a church.

Church membership isn’t just about getting your name on a list – it’s about making a covenant commitment to Christ and his community. When you become a member, you’re saying to the congregation, “These are my people, and I’m committed to them through thick and thin.” And the congregation is saying the same thing back to you. Without membership, you’re missing out on the biblical model of Christian community where we bear one another’s burdens, hold each other accountable, and grow together in godliness. Plus, as a member, you get to have a voice in the direction of our church and help us reach all of Jacksonville with all of Jesus for all of life.