Why Join the Church?

Do You Have To Join a Church to Be a Follower of Jesus Christ?

No. But WHY would you want to go alone?
Baptized believers are already members of Christ’s one, holy, universal Church.

The BIBLE does not explicitly command people to join a church. It’s a natural step one experiencing in the
Holy Spirit!

Membership is NOT required to God to heaven but it has its benefits!

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”
Jesus in Matthew 16:18.

Belonging to a local church is deeply significant for several spiritual, emotional, and practical reasons:

  1. Obedience to Scripture – The Bible calls believers to gather together as the body of Christ. Regular fellowship in a local church honors God’s command to not neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25).Spiritual Growth and Accountability – The local church provides a community where believers can grow in their faith through sound teaching, worship, and fellowship. It’s a place where spiritual accountability encourages you to stay on course in your walk with Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25).
  2. Biblical Community – God designed us to live in community, not isolation. The local church is a spiritual family where you can experience genuine relationships, share burdens, celebrate joys, and grow together in love and unity (Acts 2:42-47).
  3. Opportunities to Serve and Use Your Gifts – Each believer is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-27). Being part of a local church gives you opportunities to use your gifts to glorify God and edify others through ministries and outreach.
  4. Support in Life’s Seasons – Whether in times of celebration or hardship, the church provides a network of care, encouragement, and prayer. It’s a place where you can both give and receive support.
  5. Participating in God’s Mission – The local church serves as a hub for outreach, evangelism, and making disciples. By being a member, you join a collective mission to share the love of Christ with the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
  6. Identity and Belonging – A local church provides a sense of belonging and identity in Christ. It reminds us that we are part of something much bigger—God’s kingdom work in the world.
  7. Growth in Love and Humility – Living in community teaches us to love others deeply, practice forgiveness, and grow in humility. The church is where we can embody Christ’s love and reflect His character (Colossians 3:12-14).

Belonging to a local church isn’t just about attending services; it’s about being a vital, active part of a spiritual family. It’s where we live out our faith together and prepare for eternity in the presence of God.

In joining a Church, you make visible your commitment to Christ and his people. Membership is one way to raise the flag of faith. You state before God and others that you are a fully devoted follower of Jesus, want to walk the Jesus Way of Love and wish to be part of this local body of believers. There are no secret handshakes, special knowledge or tests to join the Church…All You Need is to love and believe in Jesus Christ as God’s one and only Son.

HOW DO I JOIN THIS CHRISTIAN CHURCH?

Any person professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and accepting the Baptist principles, practices, and the covenant of this church, may join this Christian church. You may join in one of the following ways:

  1. Believer’s Baptism,
  2. Letter of Transfer from a previous Christian church with prior baptism (we can send the letter) or a
  3. Satisfactory Statement of Christian Faith

Talk with the Pastor or Church Leader to Join or Click the Link Below:

CLICK TO JOIN THE CHURCH

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: WHAT DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE TO JOIN THIS CHRISTIAN CHURCH?
ANSWER: You must believe in your heart (hold confidence) and confess (admit) with your mouth that there is ONE GOD, JESUS is GOD, and GOD raised JESUS from the DEAD (John 14:6, Romans 10:9, and 2 Timothy 3:13-17). We believe the Bible as God’s Word, salvation through Jesus Christ, God raised Jesus from the Dead by the Power of the Holy Spirit (https://wsbctopeka.org/new/what-we-believe/). We’d love to share our full statement of faith with you!”

QUESTION: DO I HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED AGAIN TO JOIN THIS CHURCH?
ANSWER: NO! We believe in “one baptism,” as taught by Jesus and his Apostles. We recognize the baptism of all Christian traditions (e.g., Baptist, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-denominational, Presbyterian, etc.).

QUESTION: CAN I JOIN IF I DON’T OWN A BIBLE OR KNOW MY BIBLE?
ANSWER: YES! We’ll give you a free Bible and help you select the right one for you.

QUESTION: DO I HAVE TO GIVE A PLEDGED OR PROMISED AMOUNT TO JOIN THIS CHURCH?
ANSWER: NO! Giving is between the person and God. We encourage families to be generous with their time, talents, and treasurers, but it is not a requirement.

QUESTION: DO I HAVE TO ATTEND WORSHIP TO JOIN THE CHURCH?
ANSWER: NO. We encourage members to actively participate in worship, grow through discipleship, serve in ministries, and support the church through prayer and giving.

Updated: December 23, 2024