WHAT IS A CHURCH MEMBER?
At Mountain View, we believe church membership is more than just attending services—it’s about being part of a spiritual family.
A church member is a follower of Jesus who has moved from simply receiving the church’s mission to actively taking responsibility for it. Membership is not about status; it’s about commitment—loving, serving, and growing together as we live out our faith in community (John 13:35, Hebrews 10:23-25). As members, we care for one another, encourage each other in our walk with Christ, and take ownership of our shared mission to make disciples.
Church members also recognize and follow the spiritual leadership of our pastors, who are called by God to teach His Word and equip the church for ministry (Ephesians 4:12, Hebrews 13:17). This includes allowing both our pastors and fellow believers to support, challenge, and hold us accountable as we grow in maturity in Christ (1 Corinthians 5).
Membership is a commitment—but it’s also a privilege. Together, we move beyond attending church to being the church, making Christ known in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
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WHY BECOME A CHURCH MEMBER?
We believe church membership is biblical. In the early church, believers clearly identified who was part of their community and who was not (Acts 2:41-47, Acts 6:3). Paul’s letters were addressed to specific groups of believers who worked together to make disciples, solve challenges, and live out their faith (Matthew 28:19-20). Their commitment to one another served as a powerful witness of Christian transformation to the world around them.
Becoming a church member today follows that same tradition. It is a distinct commitment to Christ and His people through the local church. Membership isn’t just about attending—it’s about belonging. As a member, you gain a spiritual family that will pray for you, support you, and walk through life with you. You also grow spiritually as you serve alongside others, using your unique gifts to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Just as each part of the body has a role, every member of the church has something valuable to offer.
At Mountain View, membership also comes with opportunities to lead and participate in key decisions. Leadership positions are reserved for members, and members can vote on deacon selections and other church matters at business meetings. We also ensure that every member is cared for—each new member is entrusted to a deacon who regularly checks in and offers support as needs arise.
In short, you become a church member because it helps you follow Jesus. It strengthens your faith, deepens your relationships, and enables you to take ownership of the church’s mission.
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HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER AT MVBC?
Membership at Mountain View is open to anyone who has been saved by Jesus Christ. If you're ready to take this step, we invite you to meet with one of our pastors. During this conversation, you’ll have the opportunity to share your testimony and faith journey so far.
We also ask prospective members to attend a membership class, held several times a year after the worship service. This seminar helps you understand what it means to be part of Mountain View, how we live out our faith together, and how you can get involved.
You can become a member in one of three ways:
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By statement of faith – If you have already accepted Christ as your Savior and have been baptized by immersion, you can join through a personal affirmation of faith.
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By transfer of membership – If you are currently a member of another Baptist church, we can arrange for your membership to be transferred.
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By baptism – If you have recently placed your faith in Christ or have not been baptized by immersion, you can join through baptism at Mountain View.
To learn more about membership or schedule a meeting with a pastor, feel free to reach out. We also encourage you to explore "I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes a Difference" by Thom S. Rainer, a great resource on what it means to be an active, committed church member.