Membership

As a congregation of Baptist Christians, First Baptist Dawson holds to the cherished New Testament principle of regenerate church membership.  Below you will find our By-Laws concerning membership and a copy of our New Member Orientation curriculum.

Membership By-Laws

Article I - Membership

            Section 1 - Qualifications: The membership of this church shall consist of such persons as confess Christ as their Savior and Lord, who have been accepted by vote of the Church (1) after due examination by the Pastor (Church) as to their Christian experience, followed by baptism by immersion, or (2) after submission of letters of dismissal and recommendation of a Church of like faith and order or satisfactory substitutes therefore.  All prospective members are likewise required to complete the new member orientation and sign the church covenant before being presented to the church.

            Section 2 - Duties: Members are expected to be faithful in all the duties essential to the Christian life; to attend regularly the services of this church (unless providentially hindered); to provide financial support for the Church and its causes, and to share in its spiritual undertakings.

Section 3 - Rights: Such members as are in full and regular standing, and do not hold letters of dismissal, and such only, may act and vote in the meetings of the Church.

            Section 4 - Termination: The continuance of membership shall be subject to the general principles and usages of Southern Baptist churches, and especially as follows:

a.       Any member in full and regular standing who desires a letter of dismissal and recommendation to any other Baptist church is entitled to receive it upon request.  In case of removal to another community, the member should promptly cause such request to be made.

b.      Should a member become an offense to Christ or to the Church and to its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, the Church may terminate said person’s membership, but only after due notice and hearing, and after faithful efforts have been made to bring such member to repentance and reformation, in accordance with the eighteenth chapter of Matthew.

c.       All action looking to 4b shall be considered by the Active Deacons and the Pastor, who shall first make recommendations to the Church.

d.      No church membership shall be terminated (except by request for a letter of dismissal) at the meeting when the recommendation for such action is first made in writing.

Section 5 - Restoration: Any person whose membership has been terminated pursuant to Section 4b above, may be restored upon evidence of repentance and reformation presented to the Active Deacons and upon their recommendation to the Church.

Membership 101 Curriculum

Membership 101 (our New Member Orientation curriculum)