Why Membership?
The Bible teaches that the Christian life is lived together as the church—a local body of believers, God's gospel family, his covenant community. We were not made to live as disciples of Jesus in isolation. Church membership identifies and affirms who joins our Summit Church family by sharing in our covenant commitment to one another.
FBC Member Covenant
Church membership should be meaningful.
It is more than a name on a roll — it is a commitment to Christ and to one another. As members of First Baptist Church, we joyfully affirm this covenant by God’s grace, for our spiritual growth, and ultimately for the glory of God.
1. Authentically Worship Together
Together, we will draw near to God in worship.
We will delight in the glory of God, depend upon the presence of God, and submit to the Word of God as the all-sufficient authority for our lives and His Church. We will hold fast to the hope we profess (Hebrews 10:23).
Because the gospel creates community, we commit to living life together. We will spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). We will not neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25), but will faithfully participate in corporate worship and church gatherings.
We will pray for one another consistently, encourage one another intentionally, and serve one another selflessly.
2. Passionately Serve Together
Having been brought by divine grace to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and having been baptized as believers, we commit to working together as one body in Christ.
Our mission is clear: to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus among all nations and here in Iredell County.
We will give cheerfully, regularly, and generously to support the ministry of the church, care for the poor, and advance the gospel locally and globally (2 Corinthians 8–9).
We will steward our spiritual gifts, time, resources, and finances in a sacrificial manner consistent with the gospel and for its progress.
3. Study and Grow Together
We affirm our responsibility to grow in Christ through the faithful practice of spiritual disciplines — prayer, Scripture reading, worship, fasting, and obedience.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, we commit to living lives worthy of the gospel. Because we have been redeemed, we pursue holiness. We reject patterns of sin that contradict our new life in Christ and seek accountability and restoration when we fall short.
Growth does not happen in isolation. It happens in community. Therefore, we will study the Word together, pursue fellowship beyond weekend services, and strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
We belong to Christ. And as His church, we belong to one another.
4. Live Out the Mission
We acknowledge that our preferences, needs, and personal desires are secondary to the mission of Christ and the unity of His Church.
To maintain unity and peace, we will uphold the beliefs and doctrine of FBC. We will humbly and lovingly confront one another when necessary and receive correction in accordance with biblical church discipline and restoration (Matthew 18:15–20; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; Galatians 6:1).
We will prayerfully support and submit to the leadership of our pastors and deacons as they shepherd and oversee the ministry of our church.
Our Commitment
By God’s grace, we covenant together to worship faithfully, serve passionately, grow continually, and live on mission.
Not for ourselves.
Not for comfort.
But for Christ, His Church, and His glory.