Thank you for your interest in joining Lakeview Baptist Church (LBC)! We are a conservative congregation rooted in God’s Word and committed to glorifying Him in all that we do. Our statement of faith is the Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention. Becoming a member of Lakeview Baptist Church is a significant and joyful step in your spiritual journey, and we are excited to welcome you into our church family.
Membership Requirements
Membership at Lakeview Baptist Church is open to anyone who meets the following biblical and doctrinal requirements:
Salvation Experience
Every member must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This involves:
- Recognizing your sin and need for a Savior (Romans 3:23).
- Repenting of sin and placing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
- Receiving forgiveness of sins and eternal life through His grace (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
If you have not yet experienced the joy of salvation, we would love to help you take this step and answer any questions you may have.
Baptism by Immersion (Believer’s Baptism)
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ and a step of obedience to His command. At Lakeview, we practice “believer’s baptism,” meaning we only baptize those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Baptism must take place after a person has made a profession of faith. Any baptism performed before a genuine salvation experience does not meet the biblical qualifications for baptism at Lakeview Baptist Church.
We believe in baptism by immersion, as demonstrated by Jesus and taught in Scripture (Matthew 3:16; Acts 2:38). If you have not been baptized by immersion after your salvation, we invite you to take this important step of obedience.
Agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message of 2000
Membership requires agreement with the doctrines outlined in the Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention (BF&M). This statement of faith provides a biblical framework for our beliefs and practices. If you are unfamiliar with this document, we are happy to provide a copy and discuss it with you.
Steps to Membership
Express Your Desire to Join
Contact the church office to schedule a time to meet with a pastor or staff.
During a worship service, please come forward during the invitation time to express your desire to join the church.
Meet with a Church Leader
The pastor or church leader will meet with you to discuss your verbal testimony of salvation, baptism, and understanding of the Baptist Faith and Message of 2000. This meeting is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our church’s mission and ministries.
Baptism (If Needed)
We will schedule a time for your baptism by immersion if needed, as a public declaration of your faith in Christ. Remember, this must follow your profession of faith to meet the biblical standard for believer’s baptism.
Congregational Affirmation
Once you complete the membership requirements, the congregation will receive your application during a worship service. The church family will affirm and celebrate your membership.
Three Ways to Join Lakeview Baptist Church
By Profession of Faith
If you are receiving Christ as your personal Savior and have never been baptized, you may join by publicly professing your faith in Christ during the invitation time of a worship service then follow Him in believer’s baptism by immersion.
By Transfer of Letter
If you are a member of another Southern Baptist church, you may join by transferring your membership. Our church office will contact your previous church to request a letter confirming your membership.
By Statement of Faith
If you are coming from a “like-minded” church that shares our biblical beliefs and practices but is not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, you can join by:
- Sharing your verbal testimony of salvation and baptism by immersion with the LBC Pastor or staff.
- Verbal agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message of 2000.
- Providing a statement of your current walk with Christ. This includes discussing how you are actively growing in your relationship with Him and serving Him in your daily life.
What It Means to Be a Member
At Lakeview Baptist Church, membership is more than joining a church—it is becoming part of a family. Members commit to:
Growing in Your Relationship with Christ
Membership at Lakeview Baptist Church involves an ongoing, intentional pursuit of a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. This growth is a lifelong journey marked by several key practices:
Faithful Worship
Regular participation in shared worship services is foundational to spiritual growth. Through worship, members encounter God’s presence, respond to His Word, and celebrate His grace together as a community of believers (Psalm 95:6-7; Hebrews 10:24-25).
Bible Study and Personal Devotion
We encourage members to dedicate time to studying God’s Word individually and in group settings. The Bible is our ultimate guide for life, and regular engagement with Scripture fosters a better understanding of God’s character, His promises, and His will for our lives (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Prayer as a Daily Priority
Consistent and meaningful prayer builds a strong relationship with Christ. Members are called to seek God’s guidance, intercede for others, and express their gratitude and dependence on Him in all circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Obedience to God’s Word
Growing in Christ means putting your faith into action. Members strive to live according to biblical principles, demonstrating their love for God by obeying His commands and reflecting His truth in their daily lives (John 14:15; James 1:22).
Pursuing Holiness
As followers of Christ, members are called to grow in sanctification, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform their hearts and minds. This includes rejecting sinful behaviors and striving to reflect Christ’s character in all areas of life (1 Peter 1:15-16; Romans 12:1-2).
Building Relationships Within the Church
A key part of spiritual growth is engaging in fellowship with other believers. By building meaningful relationships through small groups, Sunday school, and other church activities, members encourage and support one another in their walk with Christ (Proverbs 27:17; Acts 2:42).
Evangelism and Outreach
Growing in Christ also means participating in His mission to share the Gospel with others. Members are encouraged to cultivate a heart for the lost and seek opportunities to share the hope of salvation with friends, family, and the community (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
Spiritual growth is not an end in itself but a means to glorify God and draw closer to Him. Membership at Lakeview Baptist Church provides opportunities for every believer to deepen their relationship with Christ through worship, discipleship, and service, all within a supportive and Christ-centered community.
Serving God Through Active Involvement in Ministry
Membership means becoming engaged in the work of the church by contributing your time, abilities, and passions to serve others. This could involve teaching, hospitality, evangelism, mentoring, caregiving, or helping with the practical needs of the church and community. Every member has unique ways to contribute to the body of Christ, fulfilling the biblical call to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
Supporting the Church Through Faithful Stewardship
Members commit to supporting the church with their attendance, prayers, and financial contributions. This includes tithes and offerings as an act of worship and obedience to God, ensuring the ongoing ministry and outreach of the church.
Sharing the Gospel and Living as a Testimony of God’s Grace
As members, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others and to live lives that reflect His love, holiness, and mercy. Membership includes the privilege and responsibility of being an ambassador for Christ in our daily lives (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Being a member of Lakeview Baptist Church means not just attending services but actively participating in the mission and ministry of the church. Together, we seek to glorify God, strengthen the body of Christ, and reach the world with His message of hope.
Opportunities Available for Members
Membership at Lakeview Baptist Church opens the door to opportunities designed to help you grow spiritually, serve others, and connect with fellow believers. As part of our church family, you are invited to participate in the following:
Membership at Lakeview Baptist Church not only connects you to a loving church family, but also provides opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the church’s mission through leadership and service. Our leadership roles are guided by biblical principles and structured to ensure that those serving are spiritually mature, committed, and well-prepared to lead others in their faith journey.
Teaching Roles
Members who feel called to teach have the opportunity to lead Sunday school classes, Bible studies, or discipleship groups. To ensure a strong foundation and commitment to our church’s values, teachers must:
- Be members in good standing.
- Have been active members of Lakeview Baptist Church for at least six months.
This time allows new members to grow in their understanding of our church’s doctrine, culture, and mission before stepping into this important leadership role.
Yokefellow Program (Deacons-in-Training)
For those who aspire to serve as deacons, our Yokefellow Program provides training and preparation for this vital ministry. This program is open to:
- Members in good standing.
- Those who have actively participated as members of Lakeview Baptist Church for at least six months.
The Yokefellow Program equips future deacons with biblical knowledge, practical skills, and spiritual maturity to fulfill the responsibilities of servant leadership within the church.
Team Membership
We encourage members to serve on various ministry teams that oversee specific areas of church life, such as hospitality, outreach, worship, and facilities. To ensure a cohesive and productive team dynamic, members of these teams must:
- Be in good standing.
- Have been active members of Lakeview Baptist Church for at least three months.
- This structure provides time for new members to integrate into the church family and become familiar with our ministries before taking on team responsibilities.
Members are Part of the Decision-Making Process
At Lakeview Baptist Church, we believe in the importance of every member’s voice in the life and ministry of the church. As a member in good standing, you play a vital role in shaping the direction and decisions of our congregation. Membership comes with the privilege of participating in the decision-making process through voting at all Regular and Special Called Business Meetings.
These meetings provide a forum for the church family to discuss and vote on key matters, including:
- Approving the annual church budget.
- Electing leaders and team members.
- Making decisions about ministry initiatives, facilities, and missions.
- Addressing other significant issues related to the life and work of the church.
This democratic process ensures that every member has a voice and contributes to the collective discernment of God’s will for our church. Your participation reflects the biblical principle of unity within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) and the shared responsibility we have as members of His church.
At Lakeview, we value the input, prayerful consideration, and engagement of each member as we work together to fulfill the Great Commission and glorify God in all that we do.
Welcome to the Family
We are delighted that you are considering joining Lakeview Baptist Church. It is our joy to welcome new members into our fellowship and serve the Lord together. If you have any questions or would like to begin the process of joining, please contact our church office or speak with one of our pastors.
In Christ’s Love,
Dr. Robert Crowder,
Senior Pastor, Lakeview Baptist Church
If you would like for one of our ministers to contact you regarding your desire, please email [email protected] or call (254) 780-1884.
