Membership
Membership gives believers a sense of belonging. By becoming a member, you accept responsibility for a group of fellow believers and you yourself become accountable to mature brothers and sisters in Christ.
Why Become A Member?
Membership gives believers a sense of belongingChurch membership reflects the biblical call for believers to gather, encourage one another, and remain faithful together in Christ (Hebrews 10:23–25).
Membership brings mutual responsibility and accountabilityBy becoming a member, you accept responsibility for a community of fellow believers. At the same time, you place yourself under the care and accountability of mature brothers and sisters in Christ who are committed to helping one another grow (Galatians 6:1–2, 10; Hebrews 13:17).
Membership helps maintain proper organization and legal recognitionThe government recognizes churches that maintain a credible membership and organizational structure. Following these laws reflects our desire to live as responsible citizens who seek to serve others well (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 2:13–17).
Membership brings mutual responsibility and accountabilityBy becoming a member, you accept responsibility for a community of fellow believers. At the same time, you place yourself under the care and accountability of mature brothers and sisters in Christ who are committed to helping one another grow (Galatians 6:1–2, 10; Hebrews 13:17).
Membership helps maintain proper organization and legal recognitionThe government recognizes churches that maintain a credible membership and organizational structure. Following these laws reflects our desire to live as responsible citizens who seek to serve others well (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 2:13–17).
Membership Process
Becoming a member at PFBC is a thoughtful process designed to help you understand the church more clearly while also giving our leaders the opportunity to know you well. The steps below outline what to expect.
Attend the PFBC Membership Class
The membership class helps prospective members understand, in greater depth, the how and why of our church. It also gives our leadership a better opportunity to get to know you. After completing the class, you will be asked to fill out the Membership Application.
Provide a Letter of Good Standing
If you were previously a member at another church, please provide a letter of good standing from that church.
Meet with a Pastor or Elder
After completing the class, you will be invited to schedule a membership interview with a PFBC pastor or elder. Engaged or married couples may meet together. Most interviews take place at the church.
Review and Agree with PFBC’s Beliefs and Commitments
Prospective members should be in agreement with PFBC’s Statement of Faith, Mission, and Core Values. Please read these ahead of time. They will be discussed during the class, and during your interview you will be asked to sign a copy of our church covenant.
Membership Acceptance
Acceptance into membership at PFBC is based on meeting the church’s membership qualifications and completing the appropriate membership application.
Membership Candidate Prerequisites
Before pursuing membership at PFBC, prospective members should meet the following prerequisites:
1. Confession of ChristA clear confession of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.
2. Submission to Scripture and Spiritual LeadershipA willingness to submit to the authority of Scripture and to those placed in positions of spiritual leadership within the church.
3. Baptism on Confession of FaithBaptism following a personal confession of faith in Christ. While proof of baptism is not required, those who were baptized as infants or before they were able to make an informed decision will be asked to be baptized again as believers.
4. Letter of Good Standing (If Applicable)If you were previously a member of another church, a letter of good standing will be requested.
5. Age and VotingThere is no age restriction for becoming a member at PFBC. However, according to our bylaws, members must be 19 years of age or older in order to vote at congregational meetings.
1. Confession of ChristA clear confession of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.
2. Submission to Scripture and Spiritual LeadershipA willingness to submit to the authority of Scripture and to those placed in positions of spiritual leadership within the church.
3. Baptism on Confession of FaithBaptism following a personal confession of faith in Christ. While proof of baptism is not required, those who were baptized as infants or before they were able to make an informed decision will be asked to be baptized again as believers.
4. Letter of Good Standing (If Applicable)If you were previously a member of another church, a letter of good standing will be requested.
5. Age and VotingThere is no age restriction for becoming a member at PFBC. However, according to our bylaws, members must be 19 years of age or older in order to vote at congregational meetings.