Becoming a Member
We believe that being a member of a local church is first and foremost an expression of being in relationship with Jesus Christ. In His amazing grace and love, God offers us the gift of salvation through His Son. In accepting that gift, we become adopted “daughters and sons” of our heavenly Father. The local church is quite simply the local expression of this larger family to which we belong.
Church membership is only for those who have personally experienced God’s saving grace and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and have followed Christ in baptism by immersion. As part of our covenant relationship as members of the Body of Christ, we seek to grow in our own faith, to encourage other believers to grow closer to God, to raise our families in Christ, and to serve His church at IBC-Wiesbaden. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Because of this, we will ask those who wish to become members about their relationship to Christ. If that is a decision you have yet to make, but would be interested in making, please ask our pastor to explain how you can know Jesus as Savior. While God’s salvation is beyond human wisdom, it remains simple enough for even a child to accept. Indeed, you must settle this matter before becoming a church member.
No matter how short or long your stay is with Immanuel Baptist Church, we strongly encourage membership with other believers. As a congregationalist church, all members have a voice and vote regarding the church. More importantly, God has given us each gifts and talents, so as Paul stated, every part of the Body of Christ is important and all are uplifted by the others. (1 Corinthians 12)
Below is information regarding our two types of membership we offer to believers.
Membership Choices
Regular or Full Membership:
We encourage you to seek full membership. We receive Christians who have been baptized by immersion or those willing to be baptized by their own choice by immersion (Believer’s Baptism). We will assist in letting your previous church be notified of this change in your membership.
If you have never been baptized by immersion, our pastor can explain the importance of this step of obedience and how this is done. Because baptism follows a personal commitment to Christ, we do not baptize infants. We acknowledge as well, that IBC-Wiesbaden is a sending church and when you move away, you should find a local church to join. Your new church will notify us of the membership transfer.
Associate Membership:
Some Christians want to keep their ties with a home church or their identity with another denomination or religious tradition. Others feel that their time here is too brief for regular membership. Therefore, we offer an associate membership status. As an associate member you can serve on committees and even vote on most issues. As with our full members, we desire your regular attendance and financial support. Please understand that this temporary membership cannot be transferred when you leave. Also, a few areas like deacon ministry and chairmanship of key committees require full membership.
Note: For those who do not wish membership or associate status, we offer an informal recognition as Friends of Church. With your permission, we will place your name on our address and phone directory and keep you informed of what is happening at Immanuel.
Your Responsibility as a Member
A member agrees to attend regularly when not hindered by work or travel. Our pastor and leaders need your prayerful support. Every member is encouraged to be involved in some form of ministry. Our pastor or leaders can help discuss you talents and where God is leading you to serve. We encourage financial support from members to help move God’s work here at Immanuel. The church depends entirely upon your offerings to support our various ministries and missionary outreach.
To download a copy of the membership form, please click here.
To download a copy of our current Constitution and By-Laws, please click here.