Baptism & Membership

Here are our policies on Baptism and Membership.

Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism is primarily a public declaration that a person has become a follower of Jesus.  When a person is baptised, they are submerged in water (Acts 8:38) to symbolise the washing away of their sins and their resurrection with Christ in their new life with Him (Romans 6: 3-4).

When we decide to follow Jesus, we follow in his footsteps (Luke 3:21), practice (John 3:22), and in obedience to his instructions (Matthew 28:19), by being baptised.  The normal pattern in the New Testament was that when a person expressed their belief in Jesus, they were immediately baptised as a symbol of their new faith (Acts 8:36).  While baptism is not required for salvation, the New Testament suggests that baptism was customary and expected of all believers (Acts 10:47).  In light of the New Testament practice and instruction, we expect that all believers will be baptised as an outward sign of their inward reality.

Who Can Be Baptised?

Anyone who has professed that Jesus has died for their sins and who has chosen to submit themselves to His rule in their life may be baptised.  While we do not put an age limit on who may be baptised, we generally expect that children under the age of twelve may not have sufficient understanding to make these declarations.  In all cases we seek to ensure that the person has willingly placed their faith in Jesus Christ and is seeking to be baptised of their own free will, and not under any form of compulsion or expectation from others (such as parents or friends).

We do not practice infant baptism or christening because the child does not yet posses sufficient knowledge to make these decisions for themselves.  However, we do support parents in their commitment to raising Godly children and are happy to facilitate a dedication celebration where the child (and parents) is dedicated to the will and ways of God.  We normally perform dedications during our Morning Programme. They are an excellent opportunity to invite non-churched friends and family members.  Dedications are available on request.  Please contact the Church Director.

What is the Process?

Anyone wishing to be baptised should contact the Church Director in the first instance.  We usually ask baptismal candidates to go through a short preparation course prior to being baptised.  During this course we review the basics of the Christian Faith and what it means to be a follower of Jesus and prepare candidates for the challenges that may follow baptism.  During this course the candidate will have a chance to share his or her own testimony.  The actual baptism is usually performed in a neighbourhood pool or river.  We will normally group interested people together for the purposes of instruction and baptism.

Other Questions

Q: I was christened/baptised as a kid.  Do I have to be baptised as an adult?
A: We believe that baptism is for believers.  Infant christening/baptism is something done to the child based on the faith of others, rather than something done by the believer because of their own faith.  We encourage anyone who has not been baptised as a believer to be baptised.

Q: How soon after becoming a Christian should I get baptised?
A: We do not set targets or conditions on this.  The New Testament suggests that people were baptised immediately upon believing.  We would hope that baptism would follow conversion fairly quickly -  usually within a few months.

Q: I was baptised as a believer in another church.  Will you recognise that?
A: Yes, as long as the baptism was a conscious declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ.

Q: Will you baptise me in a private setting?
A: Baptism is a public statement  -  a declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ.  We encourage everyone to be baptised in a public context.

Membership

What is Membership?

Membership is the act of associating yourself with the work and mission of a particular local church.  In the same way that baptism is an act of identification with Jesus, membership is an act of identification with a distinct group of Jesus-followers.

We see membership as being a decision to actively support and maintain everything that LifeSwitch stands for and works towards.  We hope that every believer who attends LifeSwitch would desire to be counted with us through the membership process.

Who Can Become a Member?

Anyone over the age of 18 who has accepted Jesus as Saviour is eligible for membership.  We ask members to agree to the following principles of membership:

• To follow Jesus daily;
• To actively support the Mission and Vision of LifeSwitch;
• To seek to live out the LifeSwitch Values in all areas of your life;
• To protect the unity of LifeSwitch;
• To participate in the community life of LifeSwitch.

What is the Process?

Becoming a member of LifeSwitch is not difficult.  You should contact the Church Director to begin the process.  We usually ask prospective members to attend a short class where the principles of membership are explained and where you will have a chance to ask questions and share your own story.  You will meet with one of our Elders who will verify that you meet the criteria for membership and that you agree to the principles of membership.  That’s really it.  Your admission to membership will be ratified at the next Elders’ meeting.  We also present new members before the congregation at various times throughout the year.

Other Questions

Q: Can I just attend without being a member?
A: Yes, of course.  However, if you consider LifeSwitch to be your church ‘home’ we ask you to give serious consideration to becoming a member.

Q: Is there anything that is restricted to members only?
A: Very little.  Anyone can attend, serve or give at LifeSwitch.  We do ask that anyone who exercises a leadership role (such as leading a small group or a ministry team) be a member of LifeSwitch.

Q: Do I have to be living a perfect life before I can become a member?
A: None of us live a perfect life.  We do not require that members live flawlessly, and do not hold that as a standard for prospective members either.  However, we may ask some people to delay proceeding further if it appears that they do not show evidence in support of the criteria or principles of membership.  We evaluate such issues on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Do I have to be baptised to be a member?
A: While we would prefer that all believers be baptised (see our statement on baptism), we do not hold it as a requirement for membership.

Q: Can I be a member of another church at the same time?
A: Membership at LifeSwitch is intended to be a declaration of unity and a commitment to community within this local branch of the body of Christ.  While membership in other churches does not necessarily preclude this, we would not consider this to be normal.

Q: Is there a connection between membership and the LifeSwitch Community Trust?
A: LifeSwitch is incorporated as Trust and is governed by Trustees and Elders.  The Trust Deed regulates the way that the Trust functions.  Members of LifeSwitch are consulted in the Elder selection process.  The Trustees (non-staff Elders) have full authority over the financial affairs of the Trust (and therefore the Church).  While Members do not vote on motions, the Trustees and Elders report back to the Church community from time to time.

Q: How do I cease to be a member of LifeSwitch?
A: You may indicate your resignation from membership at any time by writing to the Elders’ or Church Director.  If the Elders become aware of any condition that prevents you from fulfilling the criteria or principles of membership on a permanent or long-term basis, the Elders may ask you to resign or may terminate your membership.