Trinity Baptist Church is a warm congregation with a heart to know and serve the Lord. Our mission is "to know Christ and make Him known in North Central Florida and beyond." According to Matthew 28:19, Jesus has called His Church to "make disciples." The process by which Trinity Baptist Church seeks to fulfill this command can be explained in the following four statements. These statements reflect the DNA of everything we do:

(1) Connect to God in Worship;

(2) Grow with others in Christlikeness;

(3) Serve God with a thankful heart; and

(4) Lead others to Jesus.

MEMBERSHIP

What does the Bible have to say regarding membership in a local church in my community?

The New Testament is a record of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as well as that of local churches. The importance of the local church is emphasized in that twenty-two of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are written to or about local churches.

The first local church was established shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. Below is the biblical account of their first meetings.

And they (newly baptized believers in Christ) continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. {43} Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. {44} Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, {45} and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. {46} So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, {47} praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 NKJV)

This passage indicates that believers in Christ came together in their communities on a regular basis to worship, serve each other and minister to those in need. Yes, the local church is important to God. It is His established avenue of worship and ministry.

Why should I be a member of a local church?

This is, in part, answered by the previous question. The Bible teaches that it is important for personal spiritual development, the enrichment of the body of believers in the community and for ministry to those in need. It is safe haven of belonging, a place where people come together with common beliefs to worship God and receive instruction on how to be more faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Also, the church provides an avenue of service through which you can minister to others. So, it is a two sided coin. You need the church to grow and worship, while the believers in the church need you to help them through your service and ministry!

Is there a class that will answer some specific questions I have regarding the Trinity Baptist Church?

Yes. The "First Steps" class is taught regularly to both new members and those who are interested in joining. It is conducted by ministers of the Trinity Baptist Church and you are welcome to attend. This class will discuss ministries and beliefs of the church. Literature is provided and you are free to ask any questions throughout. If you are interested in attending this class, simply call the church office at (352) 473-7261 and inquire when it will meet.

How do I become a member of Trinity Baptist Church?

You may become a member by talking to any pastoral staff member. At the conclusion of the worship service you will be invited to come to the front of the church and speak to one of the ministers regarding any decision that the Lord is directing you to make. At that time you should leave your seat and proceed to the front of the church. When you speak to the minister simply say that you would like to become a member of the church. You will then be introduced to a special counselor who will walk with you to a private room and guide you in membership.

Are there prerequisites for church membership?

Yes. In order to be a member of the church, you must have placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your personal savior. The Bible also teaches that to be a member of a local church you must be a baptized believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:41 NKJV) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. The counselor will assist you in understanding this and scheduling baptism if it is desired.

What about my children?

Children are welcomed as members of the church. They should come forward at the end of the service following the Pastor’s message. A minister will be standing at the front of the church to greet them. They will receive special counseling by a trained and caring adult who will talk to them on their level and allow them the opportunity to be sure that they understand their commitment to Jesus Christ before being baptized. Please call the church office at (352) 473-7261 for more information or to set up an appointment to speak to one of the pastoral staff.

Are there different ways of joining?

There are several ways that people may join the Trinity Baptist Church. However, all of them are built upon the prior requirement of being a baptized believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1) By confessing Jesus Christ as your Savior and being baptized by immersion.

(2) By transferring your membership from another Southern Baptist Church.

(3) By making a clear statement of possessing faith in Christ and that you have been biblically baptized by immersion following this commitment. [Many people who were previously members or regular attendees of a church of another denomination that practiced baptism by immersion join this way.]

(4) By making a clear statement of possessing faith in Christ, but you have yet to be baptized by immersion. This requires a desire to be baptized by immersion.

What if I have never been a church member before, can I still join the Trinity Baptist Church?

Yes. All are welcome to join. Please see the proceeding question for more details.

What if I am not a Southern Baptist? Can I still join the Trinity Baptist Church?

Yes. All are welcome to join. Your denominational affiliation is not that significant. The priority is a faith in Christ and baptism by immersion.

If I become a member of Trinity Baptist Church, what is expected of me?

Naturally, we expect that all of our people will seek to live truly Christian lives, thus following God’s expectations for us. We trust that you will seek to be regular in attendance in worship services and in a Bible and Life Group. We know that you will want to worship God with the Body. We also expect members to support the church financially as instructed in the Bible. We ask that you seek to preserve the unity of the Church through love, forgiveness and peace, and not be divisive through criticism, gossip, or slander. We encourage you to find a place of service utilizing your talents, gifts, passion, and calling. Sharing our vision to be a lighthouse ministry that touches the world with the good news of God’s love is also important. We look forward to witnessing together to those who do not know Christ, through our lives and words.

(Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, {25} not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

What if I still have some questions?

God loves you and we really care about you. Please call the church office ant (352) 473-7261 and ask to speak to one of the ministers. Your questions are important and we want to be available to serve you in this matter.

Trinity Baptist Church: 3716 SE State Road 21, PO Box 1099, Keystone Heights, FL 32656
Phone: 352.473.7261
FAX: 352.473.3345

trinitybc@trinitybc.org