At Woodlawn, baptism and church membership are meaningful steps of obedience and commitment for those who follow Jesus. Baptism publicly proclaims our new life in Christ, and membership expresses our covenant commitment to live out the Gospel together in the local church.
Baptism is a proclamation telling the world what Jesus has done!
Baptism is for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ and desire to publicly identify with Him. As such, we would love to walk with you through the process of baptism. Those interested in baptism will meet with a pastor for a Baptism Interview, where you will:
Share your testimony of salvation
Demonstrate your understanding of the Gospel
Learn about our church’s biblical view of baptism
Discuss the baptism process and next steps
Upon the pastor’s recommendation, candidates will then schedule a date to be baptized during a Sunday worship service. Woodlawn baptisms will follow our standard Woodlawn Baptism Liturgy.
Membership is a covenant commitment to live out the Gospel together!
Church membership is for baptized believers who desire to commit to this local body in worship, discipleship, and mission. As such, we would love to walk with you through the process of church membership. Those interested in joining Woodlawn will be invited to participate in our Membership Class, where you will:
Learn about our beliefs, structure, and mission as a church
Review our church bylaws and practices
Understand and affirm our Statement of Faith and church distinctives
Explore what it means to love, serve, and commit to one another as members of this local body
Express their desire to covenant together with this church family by signing our Church Membership Covenant
Upon the pastor’s recommendation—and affirmation by a vote of the congregation—new members will be joyfully recognized during a Sunday morning worship service.
Who should be baptized?
Baptism is for those who have personally trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation and desire to publicly identify with Him through believer’s baptism.
What do you believe about baptism?
We believe baptism is an act of obedience for believers, symbolizing our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism does not save us, but it proclaims what Christ has already done.
How do you baptize?
We practice baptism by immersion, which we believe best reflects the biblical pattern and meaning of baptism.
What if I was baptized as an infant?
If you were baptized as an infant, we would encourage you to be baptized as a believer following a personal profession of faith in Christ. A pastor would be glad to talk with you about this.
Do I have to be a member to be baptized?
No. Baptism is often the first step of obedience for new believers. However, baptism naturally leads toward church membership, and we encourage baptized believers to pursue membership in a local church immediately following (or concurrent with) baptism.
What if I have questions or doubts about baptism?
That’s okay. We welcome questions and would love to walk through them with you. Meeting with a pastor is part of the baptism process, and no one is rushed into baptism.
Why does church membership matter?
Church membership is a biblical way believers commit to living out the Gospel together in accountability, love, discipleship, and mission within a local church.
Who can become a member of Woodlawn?
Membership is for baptized believers who affirm our Statement of Faith, understand and agree with our church’s distinctives, and desire to covenant together with this local body.
What is the Membership Class?
The Membership Class is an opportunity to learn about our beliefs, church structure, leadership, and mission. It also allows you to ask questions and discern whether Woodlawn is the right church home for you.
Do I have to agree with everything to become a member?
Members are asked to affirm our Statement of Faith and primary matters of Christian belief, as well as to understand our church’s theological and practical distinctives in order to fellowship with other believers in the church. A pastor will gladly discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
What is the Church Membership Covenant?
The Membership Covenant is a shared commitment to love one another, pursue holiness, support the church’s mission, submit to biblical leadership, and walk together as followers of Christ.
What is the process for becoming a member?
Those seeking membership will attend the Membership Class and meet with a pastor. Upon the pastor’s recommendation and affirmation by a congregational vote, new members are welcomed and recognized during a Sunday worship service.
How long does the membership process take?
The timeline can vary depending on class schedules and availability. Membership Classes usually last 4-6 weeks (typically meeting during Sunday School prior to weekly services) and new members are voted on during our quarterly Membership Conferences. However, we seek to be clear, thoughtful, and gracious throughout the process.
What if I’m not ready to become a member yet?
That’s perfectly fine. We’re glad you’re here. Membership is an invitation—not a pressure—and we want you to take that step when you’re ready.