Attending Immanuel Baptist Church is a privilege of which anyone can take advantage. People who attend may participate in all of the programs and activities of the church and they may invite anyone else to attend with them. Membership in the church gives the added privilege of participating in the decision- making processes as well as specific leadership positions. It is customary when seeking membership to begin by setting up a conference with the Pastor who will then outline one of the following membership procedures:

By Baptism. Baptism in a Baptist church is an ordinance that the individual believer chooses to observe. It has historically been referred to as “Believer’s Baptism” as opposed to infant baptism. A person who comes to the place where faith demands action can elect to be baptized. The administration of baptism at Immanuel is by immersion – as it is in nearly all Baptist churches. However, Immanuel recognizes that some who have been baptized in other traditions consider their baptism as valid and proper. Immanuel honors that and does not require the rebaptism of one seeking membership. One who has never experienced any kind of baptism is required to experience believer’s baptism before becoming a member of Immanuel.

By Letter. Any person who is at present a member of a church of like faith and practice may request that a letter of transfer of membership be obtained from the other church. Upon receipt of such a letter and his or her acceptance of the church covenant, the person will be welcomed into membership at Immanuel.

By Christian Experience. Persons who have been baptized and do not want to consider rebaptism but who are not a member of a church that will offer a letter of transfer may request membership at Immanuel by an affirmation of their personal Christian commitment to Christ and to the church covenant.

By Affiliation. A person, who for reasons of their own, may want to continue to hold membership in another church, may enjoy voice without vote at Immanuel. While there are some limitations on what affiliate members can do, it is possible to hold membership in more than one church at a time.

The advantages of full church membership include serving as church officers, serving on church committees, and participating in the decision-making deliberations (annual meeting, special meetings, etc.) necessary to conduct church business.