New Member's Class

As we discussed this past November, the church is beginning a New Members' Class. Our constitution states that those who join with Front Street Baptist Church are expected to go through a New Members' Class. This will not only benefit those coming to our church, but will benefit us as a church. Thom Rainer and Chuck Lawless have done much research on the topic of membership classes. In 1997, Rainer did a study of growing churches of which 73% of them expected or required a New Members' Class before joining. In 2005, Chuck Lawless researched 150 growing churches. These were not only churches that were increasing in baptism, but churches who were growing and retaining members. Of these churches, 73% expected or required membership classes. As is seen in these two studies, in the last ten years, the number of churches offering the membership class remained the same. The interesting fact is that in the latest study, the number of churches who required the class as a prerequisite to church membership doubled.

Why would Front Street expect people to go through a four week class before becoming a member? There are many reason to which I will try to highlight some of them. First, our constitution requires us to offer a membership class for new members. Second, the membership class is evangelistic. It will allow us to talk with people in a small group about their relationship with Christ where we do not always have an opportunity to do that. Third, a membership class raises the level of commitment. When joining a church, it is important for each person to understand they are part of the body of Christ as described in 1 Corinthians 12. The body is designed for each person to fulfill certain roles. If each person is not doing their part, then we are not being who God wants us to be. Fourth, this class will show that we place a high value on membership. Membership is not something to be taken lightly but is very important. Fifth, the class will allow us to share the vision and direction of the church. This will help people determine if this is where God is calling them to serve.  Finally, the membership class will provide an element of fellowship. As people come to the class, they will be spending four weeks with others who are in the same boat. I feel sure there will be many meaningful relationships built during this time. It will also allow new members to meet the staff and develop a relationship with each staff member. With this being the case, the new members will have someone to call that they know should a situation arise where they need a pastor.

I am very excited about this new class and I believe it is going to be a valuable asset to our church. The first class will begin February 1, and will last four weeks. The class will meet from 9:00 - 10:15 on Sunday mornings in the Conference Room (also known as the Creative Arts Worship Room). If you are interested in this class, please contact the church office, 704-872-7623 or email Jessica at Jessica@frontstreet.org. Beginning February 1, it is necessary for all those seeking membership at Front Street to attend this class. If you are a relatively new member at Front Street, or you would just like to find out more information about the church, this will be a great class for you. It is important to note that if you attend this class, you will not be required or pressured to join Front Street. Our desire is that you find the church home where God is leading you to invest your life.