Membership


Thank you for your interest in membership at Lakeview Heights Baptist Church. Membership is commitment to a specific, local expression of the Body of Christ. In addition, LHBC is a congregational church. “Congregational” meaning that those who are members have the privilege and responsibility of being a part of major decisions that affect the overall functioning of the church.


WHAT MEMBERSHIP IS NOT


Having said that, lets begin with what membership is not. First, membership is not in any way a part of Biblical salvation. We are “saved by grace through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) Salvation is a personal decision to put our trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. When we trust Christ for our salvation, we become part of the Body of Christ that professes Biblical faith around the world.


Second, membership is not a requirement to be a part of our church. Many people choose not to become members but are still welcome in this local family.


WHAT MEMBERSHIP IS


So if I don't need to be a member to be part of LHBC, what then is membership?  We are glad you asked, because shared commitments keep us all pointed in a common, Biblical direction.

First, Lakeview members, profess their own personal faith in Jesus Christ, and have experienced baptism by immersion.

Second, membership is your statement of commitment to the local body of Lakeview.  When you become a member you are stating that you share in and agree with Lakeview's beliefs, purpose, values and overall mission.  Membership helps us say that this is “my” church and “I love what God is doing through LHBC.”
 
Third, membership, as has already been stated, affords individuals the privilege and responsibility of voting on major decisions that affect the church.  For example, our membership votes to adopt our annual budget.  Our membership votes to call pastors when this occurs.  Our membership votes on those who will function in leadership of our church.  These and other major decisions we call upon our members to take ownership and get involved.

Along with these three important aspects, members of Lakeview are also committed to the following: