This content is an excerpt from the current bylaws of Brookswood Baptist Church, posted for the consideration those pursuing membership. If you would like a copy of the full bylaws of Brookswood Baptist Church, please contact our church office at office@brookswoodbaptist.com. If you have any questions regarding membership or our bylaws, please contact Pastor Sean at sean@brookswoodbaptist.com or Pastor Reuben at reuben@brookswoodbaptist.com.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
The Church reserves the right to admit or terminate membership. The members of this Church shall be in agreement with its statement of belief, fully supportive of the statement of faith, core values, and elected leadership and staff of the Church. Members of the Church receive the following privileges and must be willing to assume the responsibilities of this same membership.
Membership Privileges
a. Access to pastoral and member care and guidance
b. Identification with a supporting and enriching spiritual family
c. Participation and voting rights at Church Business Meetings
d. Potential service in leadership roles in governance and ministry of the Church.
Membership Responsibilities
a. Actively participate in the welfare of fellow members, serve and share in the ministry of the Church by practicing a servant’s heart, using their gifts and abilities in ministry, and diligently caring for others
b. Progress in personal devotion and obedience to God, and participate in the community and life of the Church (e.g., a small group, Bible study, outreach activities, etc.)
c. Support the testimony of the Church by attending regularly to worship with the Church family, living a godly life, and giving cheerfully to the Church from God’s blessings
d. Engage in Christlike community, encouraging one another to continue to meet together, and freely inviting others to become Christ’s disciples
e. Respect the authority and guidance of the Church leadership (Hebrews13:17)
f. Promote and protect the unity of the Church by acting in love toward other people and seeking reconciliation in accordance with the scriptural pattern (Matthew 18:15-20) when in disagreement with others.
Voting Members & Inactive Members
Voting members include all Active Members aged sixteen and older.
Inactive Members include those who are unable to fulfill their responsibilities as a Voting Member but request to remain on the membership role – they shall have no voting privileges. Should a member fail to demonstrate meaningful participation in the Church for more than one year, they will be deemed inactive and contacted by the most suitable Pastor, Elder, or Lead Team Member (as determined by the Lead Team) regarding their desire to continue in their membership. The Church reserves the right to place members who are not fulfilling their responsibilities on an Inactive Membership status; such action will be made by the decision of the Church on recommendation from the Lead Team and will be preceded by an attempt by a Pastor and/or Lead Team member to restore such persons to participation in the life of the Church. Inactive Members can be restored to Active Member status by recommendation of the Lead Team to the Church.
Admission Into Membership
Believers may be voted into membership of the Church on recommendation of the Lead Team having done all of the following:
a. Made formal application
b. Participated in the orientation process
c. Been baptized by immersion in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
d. Affirmed their profession of faith and expressed their willingness to assume the responsibilities of membership in an interview with a minimum of two members of the Nominating Committee, who then recommend the candidate for membership to the Lead Team.
Removal
Members may be removed from the Church membership by:
a. The Church Clerk upon their death
b. The Lead Team upon
i. Their written request
ii. Their transfer to another Church
iii. Their assuming a new permanent residence out of the area
c. The vote of the Church upon:
i. Recommendation of the Lead Team due to the member’s consistent failure to participate in the life and efforts of the Church as outlined in the responsibilities of membership
ii. Recommendation of the Lead Team as disciplinary action upon the failure of the steps outlined in Matthew 18:15-20 to have produced repentance and reconciliation. Upon repentance, reconciliation, and recommendation by the Lead Team, the Church may reinstate the disciplined believer’s membership.