But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Becoming a Member
Covenant membership is a commitment to one another—a willing pledge to guard, care, submit, support, and minister together for the building up of our church body.
Step 1: ASK Membership Class
Upcoming ASK Membership classes:
North: August 6–7
South: September 12–October 31
Downtown: September 20–21
Note: We limit capacity to 30 people to facilitate interaction.
The ASK Class has a two-fold purpose.
- To provide an informal setting for those—not necessarily interested in membership—who want to ask what the pastoral staff, church, or Baptists in general believe on various topics.
- To give an opportunity for potential members to become acquainted with a pastor who can help them connect with one or more of the church's ministries. The ASK class is a requirement for church membership.
We try to limit capacity to about 30 people to facilitate interaction. Please contact Amy Katterson (612-746-2651) to pre-register.
Step 2: Baptism (if needed)
If you have not yet been baptized as a believer by immersion, baptism is the next step to proceeding toward covenant membership.
Read more information on baptism.
Step 3: Elder Interview
One or two elders will be assigned to meet with you for an elder interview.
Goals of this interview:
- To learn how the Lord drew you to himself.
- To confirm you have a good understanding of the meaning of church membership.
- To confirm that there are no biblically warranted concerns with your joining Bethlehem as a covenant member.
- To answer questions or help you find opportunities to connect at Bethlehem.
Step 4: Covenant Affirmation
A Covenant Affirmation is held during our weekend worship services four times a year. Each potential new member voices his or her hearty "I do" to the Church Covenant and is received by congregational vote into Bethlehem's membership during one of these services.
We list the names of potential new members in the Bethlehem Star newsletter prior to the Covenant Affirmation and ask that if anyone has concerns about someone proceeding toward membership, they contact us as quickly as possible.
See a list of upcoming Covenant Affirmation Weekends on our calendar.