How Do I Become A Member Of Ardmore Baptist Church?

When a person wants to join Ardmore Baptist the process is simple:

1. Present yourself at the close of worship.
2. Indicate your desire to join.
3. Give evidence of your faith experience.
   • Statement of your belief in Christ as Savior and Lord.
   • Statement of previous church experience.
   • Statement of personal desire to follow Christ as a disciple.
4. Experience Believer's Baptism by immersion, if not previously baptized.
5. Attend membership orientation session.
6. Attend New Members luncheon.
7. Church will officially accept your membership at the next church conference.

Although not required, some people prefer to have a conversation with the pastor or a staff minister to get acquainted and share their faith journeys. This is also a good time for the minister to answer any further questions about the church.

Present oneself for membership at the Invitation/Time of Commitment at the close of every morning worship service. This is done by walking to the front and sharing with the pastor your desire to join this body of Christ.

A Request for Membership form will be completed at that time. This card is available in the pew racks or at the front of the sanctuary.

Someone from the Membership Team will visit during the next month to share additional information about Ardmore, answer any questions and offer assistance in finding a place of service in this congregation. New members are asked to complete the Family Information form and the Interest Survey form to provide the church with proper information.

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What Is Expected of Ardmore Baptist Members?

Members of Ardmore Baptist are expected to live daily as a witness for Jesus Christ, to be active in the life of the church, to be on mission for Christ and to be a good steward of God's blessings. There are four connection points for every member of Ardmore Baptist:

1. Attending worship
2. Experiencing fellowship
3. Serving others
4. Giving

Worship - Our worship strives to bring believers into an awareness of the awe and beauty of God. Through majestic music, reflective prayer, focused drama, relevant scripture, and the spoken word, we find inspiration and meaning. Regular participation in worship is a lifeline to a vibrant faith.

Fellowship - Acceptance and strong relationships are at the heart of any meaningful community. We encourage everyone to find friendships and soul mates within this body of believers. By connecting with small groups, members find and discover relationships that will sustain and strengthen their faith.

Serving - We believe that every member of Ardmore Baptist is gifted by God for the building up of the church, His body. Our goal is that every member discover his/her passion for a personal mission, claim his/her giftedness, and find a place of service within this church and or community. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, you will want to use your time and talent for the good of the Kingdom. When you are serving God in the ministry for which He has created you, you are happier, your ministry is effective, and God is honored.

Giving - Every member of this congregation is asked to support our God-given mission and ministries. Together we share in supporting the work of this church and give according to the blessings we have received from God. Members are encouraged to grow in their giving each year so that they can more fully realize the joy of giving.

A good summary comes from Hebrews 10:24 and 25 which says:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

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Why Church Membership?

Church membership is the mutual acceptance and commitment between the church body and an individual.

Reasons for Church Membership:

Identification with God's People

Membership helps to identify one with Christ's church, the people, in a particular place. God's people have always been clearly identified even though the expression of identification has varied by culture and time. Though common in America, the idea of the "independent Christian" is totally alien to the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 12:20 states "There are many members, but one Body." Christ designed and instituted His church so that His people could be clearly identified with the church and be known as the body of Christ.

Increased Effectiveness

It has been said, "the sum of the parts is greater than the whole." So it is with the church. Just as logs joined together burn much brighter than independent logs, so Christians gathered together are able to accomplish much more than as individuals.

A Sense of Belonging

The sense of belonging is significantly heightened when one formally joins any group or organization. Ownership shifts from them to us. It is no longer "their church", but "our church" . Therefore, one feels more comfortable and readily expects and claims the benefits of belonging.

Acceptance of Responsibility

To enjoy the fullest benefits of the church, one must accept full responsibility for the church. Through membership, the Christian becomes an active participant rather than merely a spectator. As a shareholder, he/she shares rights and responsibilities of the team.

Compliance

• In Ephesians 5:21 we are commanded to be submissive to one another.
• When believers have differences they are to submit those differences to the rule of the church rather than the secular court (Matthew 15:17, Corinthians 6:1).
• When we get out of line in our beliefs or behavior, the church is responsible to discipline us for our benefit and the testimony of Christ (Titus 3:10, 1 Corinthians 5:12, 2 Corinthians 2, Romans 16:17).
• Membership, therefore declares our submission to the body of Christ and to the spiritual leadership of that body.

Legal Function

To function as a church (non-profit organization) requires some kind of membership by state law.

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Categories and Requirements for Church Membership

Categories

1. Church Member
2. Associate Member
3. Non-Resident Member

Requirements for Church Member:

• A statement of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and evidence of a desire to live a consistent Christian life.
• An understanding of Christian doctrine and belief.
• An agreement to abide by the Ardmore Baptist Church expectations for church membership.
• Concurrent membership in no other church.
• Baptism by immersion.

Requirements for Associate Member:

• A statement of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and evidence of a desire to live a consistent Christian life.
• An understanding of Christian doctrine and belief.
• An agreement to abide by the Ardmore Baptist Church expectations for church membership.
• Concurrent membership in no other church

Requirements for Non-Resident Member:

• Formerly a Church Member of Ardmore Baptist Church.
• Non-resident membership shall be reviewed annually to determine the continuing status.
• A statement indicating that regular contact with Ardmore Baptist Church is temporary and further stating an intention to reassume membership upon return to residency within the vicinity of Ardmore Baptist Church.

Distinctions of Membership Participation:

• A Church Member may vote on all matters to be determined by the congregation and may serve in any capacity in the ministry of Ardmore Baptist Church.
• An Associate Member may vote on all matters except to call a Senior Pastor, or to amend Articles of Incorporation or the Constitution and By-Laws.
• A Non-Resident Member may not vote on any matters.

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Where Do I Park?

Ardmore Baptist Church has a unique strategy to meet the parking needs of this congregation.

Parking Lots:
On-site parking is limited and therefore we have established the following guidelines:

• Guest Parking - Directly in front of the Sanctuary on Irving Street.
• Handicapped Parking - Clearly marked spaces near the Sanctuary and the covered entrance of the lower Elizabeth Avenue lot.
• Senior Adult Parking - The Rosewood lot and lower Elizabeth Avenue lot are reserved for senior adults.
• Preschool Parking - The Rosewood lot and lower Elizabeth Avenue lot are reserved for families with young preschoolers.

Street Parking:
Street parking is available to anyone. However, our folks are reminded to observe the city ordinances for parking.

Do NOT park in the following places:

• On a sidewalk
• At a public or private driveway in such a manner as to obstruct the driveway
• Within an intersection
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 25 feet of intersecting curb lines
• Within 12 feet of a crosswalk
• Within 25 feet upon the approach to a Stop sign

Shuttle Parking:
Shuttle parking is available at the Information Services Building on the corner of Cloverdale Avenue and Miller Streets. Drivers are encouraged to drop off their passengers at the church and then proceed to the shuttle lot to park.

This lot is entered from Melrose Avenue and shuttle vans run continuously from 8:45 - noon each Sunday morning. (From the church, turn right onto Miller Street. Proceed to the Stop light at Queen Street. Turn left onto Queen Street and proceed to the 4-way Stop sign at Melrose Avenue. Turn right onto Melrose Avenue and proceed to the first parking lot entrance on your right.)

Shuttle vans will be available to bring the driver back to church. The primary pick-up/drop-off point at the church is the covered entrance on the Elizabeth Avenue side. Following the conclusion of the 10:30 service, shuttles will also pick up at the main entrance of the Sanctuary.

How Do I Find My Way Around Ardmore Baptist Church?

Click for the floor-plan of the building.

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How Can I Give To Ardmore Baptist Church?

Ardmore Baptist Church is pleased to receive gifts for the support of the Lord's work in the following ways:

Loose Offering
Contributions placed in the offering plates during services comprise this method. We also accept gifts mailed to the church office.

Boxed Sets
Some members choose to receive boxed sets of envelopes which provide envelopes for weekly giving. These sets are picked up from the church at the beginning of the year and include envelopes for each Sunday as well as Special Offering envelopes.

Bi-monthly Mailing
Most members prefer to receive monthly contribution envelopes by mail. Once a name is added to the list, a three month supply of envelopes will be mailed directly to the home. Regular envelopes for Unified Budget and Building Fund are included along with envelopes for special offerings.

Monthly Bank Draft
If desired, contributors can choose to have their bank account drafted monthly to support the ministries of this church. Drafts can be arranged by contacting the Financial Assistant at the church office. A draft authorization form must be completed and a voided check must be submitted. Gifts to the Unified Budget and/or Building Fund can be drafted. You may choose to have your gifts drafted on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and/or 28th. Just contact Grace Hodge, Financial Assistant at 725-8767, ext. 15.

Designations of Cooperative Mission can be made by individuals. Members may choose Undesignated, which allocates missions dollars by the church approved formula to the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship - or Designated, which goes to either the SBC only, or to the CBF only, according to the individual's instructions.

In addition to the Unified Budget, Ardmore Baptist Church offers special/memorial gift opportunities through:

• Building Fund
• Memorial Fund
• Special Ministries Fund
• Other Designated Funds

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Other Ideas For Giving

When thinking of making gifts to Ardmore Baptist Church, we naturally think of giving from our income. As we prayerfully consider sacrificial giving to help Ardmore Baptist Church, we have additional opportunity to reflect on other sources for giving as well. These other forms of gifts help the church as well as offering added benefits to the donor:

• Publicly Traded Securities
• Closely-held Stock
• Personal Property
• Real Estate
• Gifts-in-Kind
• Paid-Up Insurance Policies
• Charitable Lead Trusts

Publicly Traded Securities
Long-term appreciated capital gain property (such as stock) is one of the most common ways to make additional capital gifts. These gifts are tax deductible at the full fair market value subject to some limitations. However, the gain is not subject to taxation to the donor or the church. Example:

• Donor paid $2,000 for stock now worth $10,000.
• If Donor sells stock he/she pays $1,600 in capital gains taxes and keeps $8,400.
• If Donor gives stock to church neither the donor nor the church pays taxes and donor receives $10,000 tax deduction.
• To transfer publicly traded securities contact Grace Hodge at 725-8767, ext. 15.

Closely-held Stock
Gifts of closely-held stock are virtually the same as publicly traded securities, but may carry additional benefits to the donor. Along with the income tax deduction, gifting closely-held stock is a good way of reducing company retained earnings and transferring ownership of the company to children or grandchildren.

Personal Property
One can make a gift of personal property to Ardmore Baptist Church. These items can include antiques, works of art, jewelry, coin or stamp collections, as well as other valuable assets. However, these items are generally tax-deductible at their base cost and not their fair-market value.

Appreciated Real Estate
A gift of real estate will generate a tax deduction for the full appraised fair-market value. Like securities, the capital gain is not taxable to the donor or the church. Sometimes a donor has a parcel of real estate that they are willing to gift, but they want to retain some of its value for themselves. A bargain sale is a good way to make a gift to the church and keep some of the value. Example:

• Donor has a parcel of real estate worth $100,000. They sell the property to the church for $50,000. The donor has made a charitable gift of $50,000 to the church and received cash for themselves. The tax deduction is equal to the difference between the selling price and the appraised price.

Paid-up Insurance Policies
Many times families have paid-up life insurance policies that were originally taken out to cover mortgage expenses or pay for college for a child. If these reasons are no longer at issue, a paid-up insurance policy can be a wonderful way to make a gift to the church. The tax deduction is equal to the replacement value or the donor's cost in the policy, whichever is less. The church will have the option of retaining the policy or taking the current cash surrender value.

Charitable Lead Trusts
A lead trust can be established to provide income to the church for a specified term of years. After the term of years, the assets in the trust revert back to the donor or to individual(s) designated by the donor. Cash, securities and some types of real estate can be used to fund the trust. There is no income tax deduction for this type of gift but there is an estate tax savings.

Gifts-in-kind
A gift-in-kind is a product or service that you can give because of your work experience or related business. Examples:

• Site Development: grading, drainage, paving, landscaping, etc.
• Construction Materials: concrete, lumber, bricks, roofing, paint, etc.
• Building Materials: windows, doors, plumbing, lighting, flooring, etc.

Deferred Gifts
Deferred gifts are gifts that are received some time in the future by the church. During that time the donor retains an interest in the assets. Examples:

• Bequests
• Estate Notes
• Charitable Remainder Trusts
• Charitable Gift Annuities
• " Pay on Death" Accounts
• IRA Beneficiary
• Life Insurance

For more information on ways to give, contact one of the following:

• Attorneys:
  Laurel Boyles - (w) 760-9002; (h) 766-0570
  Dan Womble - (w) 766-8085; (h) 940-6374
• Accountants:
  Vernon Osborne - (w) 724-7002; (h) 924-4812
  Terry Renegar - (w) 765-8327; (h) 998-8966
• The Baptist Foundation of North Carolina

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Faith Matters

1. Seeking for A Meaningful Life?

Psalm 23, Lord's Prayer, Forgiven

2. What Does it Mean to Be Born Again?

Have you ever wondered what the phrase "born again" means? The Bible records that Jesus used these words in a conversation with a man named Nicodemus. A respected leader of the Jewish community, Nicodemus was a highly moral man who obeyed God's law. No doubt he was a fine man. Yet something was lacking.

Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, curious about the kingdom of God. Jesus told him, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). Nicodemus responded , "How can a man be born again when he is old?" (John 3:4). Like Nicodemus, many people today confuse religion with new birth. Phrases like "I pray regularly" or "I believe there is a God" often are confused with a real new-birth experience. New birth begins with the Holy Spirit's convicting someone that he or she is a sinner.

Because of sin, we are spiritually dead. For this reason, spiritual birth, as Jesus described it, is necessary. God loves us and gives us spiritual birth when we ask Him for it.

The Bible says that all persons are sinners (Romans 3:23). Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead to save sinners. To be "born again" means that a person admits to God that he or she is a sinner, repents of sin, believes in or trusts Jesus, and confesses faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. Everyone who believes in (places faith in) Jesus will not perish (John 3:16). Jesus is the only One who can save us (John 14:6).

To believe in Jesus, then, is to be born again. Confess your sins and ask Jesus right now to save you. The Bible tells us that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21).

After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, share your decision with another person. Following Christ's example, ask for baptism by immersion as a public expression of your faith (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:6).
SS Leader, December 2002

3. Searching for God?

What's the Problem?
Many people seek to fill the God-shaped emptiness within ourselves with pleasure, prosperity, or power, anything but God and yet the emptiness remains.

Why?
Because finite things can never fill an infinite emptiness, the search for fulfillment in life must begin with God. Did you know that there is a God who searches for you?

• The Search (Search Ministries)
• God's Position
• Our Condition
• God's Provision
• Our Decision
• God Is Light, All About Jesus, The Life of Christ

4. Seeking a Thought for the Day? (Daily Devotional Links)

• RBC Ministries: Our Daily Bread
• Oswald Chambers devotional online: My Utmost for His Highest

5. Searching the Scriptures?

Bible Gateway

6. What About Believer's Baptism?

Baptism is important for the Christian…

• IMPORTANT because of our obedience to Christ:
• IMPORTANT because of our testimony to others:

Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." When we love Jesus Christ we want to do what He says. Love and obedience include baptism. Jesus was obedient to the Father, and to fulfill all righteousness was baptized. The disciples were baptized. The early Christians were baptized. In Peter's first sermon after Pentecost he preached saying, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38) .

Obedience to Jesus Christ is a privilege, a joy, and also a responsibility. More important than our personal ideas about baptism is our Christian commitment to please Jesus Christ. And, Jesus commanded us to be baptized!

Our baptism is a powerful testimony to others.

Biblical baptism is a commitment.
Jesus said, "Whoever acknowledges me before me, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before me, I will disown him before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32, 33) Baptism is a great expression of Christian discipleship.

Biblical baptism involves us with God's people the church.
When we are baptized we are declaring our participation in the body of Christ. There is a mutual responsibility; the individual is responsible to submit to and love the church; and the church is responsible to love and nurture the one baptized.

Biblical baptism is a submissive act.
When we are baptized we are humbly admitting that we are sinners who can't forgive our own sins. We admit we need Jesus Christ as Savior. It is an act of submission to God to be baptized in front of witnesses.
"Therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…" Matthew 28:19

Baptism is a testimony of our conversion to Jesus Christ.
In the Bible, baptism always demonstrates belief in Jesus Christ. In baptism we are telling others that we are now Christians. First comes faith and then comes baptism as an outward symbol of faith. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9); therefore baptism is not necessary for salvation. However, salvation is necessary before baptism.

Baptism is a testimony of the gospel story.
Baptism is a symbolic acting out of the gospel story. Christ died and we are dead to sin through salvation; Christ was buried and we are burying our old sinful life; Christ was raised and we are raised to a new life in Christ.
"Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God who raised Him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12).

When Jesus died, was buried and rose again He was buried in the ground. Baptism is a drama reenacting what Jesus did for us only it is in water and only for a few seconds. That's why we practice baptism by immersion at Ardmore Baptist Church. The Christian is completely immersed in water in order to follow the Bible's practice as closely and meaningfully as possible.

Baptism is a testimony of our identification. The original Bible word (in Greek), baptidzo literally means "to dip, to plunge, to place into a liquid." Just as cloth placed into a vat of dye is "identified" with the dye, so in baptism a Christian is identified with Jesus Christ. You have "clothed" yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27).

We also identify with the church (the body of Jesus Christ), "for we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one spirit to drink." (1 Corinthians 12:13).

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What About Childcare At Ardmore Baptist Church?

Jesus said, "Let the little ones come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven".

We love children at Ardmore! They are gifts from God and we take our responsibility with his "little ones" very seriously. Our goal is for parents to feel peace of mind about leaving their precious bundles of joy in our care. It is our hope that children be excited and eager to come to church as well as enjoy being here.

Childcare is provided for all Sunday morning and evening services, as well as during adult choir and handbell rehearsals, and for other special church wide events. Our childcare is offered for children ranging in age from birth to four years. Our childcare workers are paid and childcare rooms are always staffed with at least two workers, one of whom is an adult. To insure safety of the children, we also use a security tag system with all of our preschoolers.

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How Does The Preschool Security System Work?

The safety and security of our children is paramount here at Ardmore Baptist. Parents of preschoolers are given a security card upon arrival at church. They then enter name of child, instructions for their care, and their (parents) location on an adhesive label which is placed on the child's clothing. Parents must have a corresponding security card to retrieve the child after services.

In addition, parents of younger preschoolers receive a silent pager to allow workers to contact them in event of an emergency.

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How Can I Get Connected At Ardmore Baptist Church?

• Ministries
• Discover Your Gifts
• Volunteer Your Gifts
• Support Groups
  • Bereavement Support Group
  • Jobs Search Network
  • Mid Town Al-Anon

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How Is Ardmore Baptist Church Organized?

Congregational

It is basically a representative democracy which involves every member of the congregation in decision making. The congregation has the ultimate say. Regular conferences or business meetings are held for the congregation to hear and act on reports and recommendations for the work of the church.

Active Committees and Councils

Numerous committees and councils provide the work units for planning and carrying out the essential activities of a congregation of this size. Each group has a specific purpose and area of responsibility which help this congregation run smoothly and achieve its mission. Committee members are recommended to the congregation by the Leadership Committee. Most committees follow a three-year rotation.

Ministry Teams

Ministry Teams are made up of people who are committed to carry out the various ministries of the church. Ministry team members are chosen because of their interest in and passion for a particular ministry of the church.

Staff Ministers

Our ministers serve as facilitators and coordinators of the programs and ministries of the church. Pastoral staff members lead in casting the vision for and equipping lay leaders in the various ministry areas of the church.

Incorporated

For legal purposes and the security of its members, Ardmore Baptist is incorporated as a non-profit corporation which was chartered in 1996. The annual meeting of the corporation is held in the fall of each year.

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What Does It Mean To Be Baptist?

Baptists express themselves today in such a variety of ways. Baptists are both the largest denominational body in the U.S. and the most diverse. Baptist bodies in the country total at least 54 groups and subgroups. Baptists differ today - and they did from the beginning - in what they believe, how they worship, their attitudes toward other Christians and their understanding of what is important in Christian discipleship. It is, therefore, impossible to speak of Baptists as a monolithic group. No single tradition or group of Baptists captures the enormous variety in Baptist life. One can, however, identify some of the more distinctive "freedom convictions" generally held by Baptists. In The Baptist Identity, Walter Shurden identifies "Four Fragile Freedoms".

Bible Freedom
This is "the historic Baptist affirmation that the Bible, under the Lordship of Christ, must be central in the life of the individual and church and that Christians, with the best and most scholarly tools of inquiry, are both free and obligated to study and obey the Scripture."

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, an authoritative guide for faith and practice. But every believer has the right to exercise flexibility in interpreting the faith or describing the practice. The Bible reveals what every person needs to know regarding the character of God and the salvation of persons in Jesus Christ.

Soul Freedom
This is "the historic Baptist affirmation of the inalienable right and responsibility of every person to deal with God without the imposition of creed, the interference of clergy, or the intervention of civil government."

This cardinal principle of Baptists means that every person is directly responsible to God alone. Each person is competent under God to make his or her own moral and religious decisions and is responsible to God in all matters of moral and religious duty.

Priesthood of Believers
Baptist believe this concept is biblically rooted, a crucial component for a vital church, affirms a universal ministry in that all believers are called to be priests, and it underscores the conviction that ministry is at the center of Christian discipleship. The priesthood of all believers calls for each Christian to minister as an individual and in community. "The church is the church only when it exists for others," concluded Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Church Freedom
"This historic Baptist affirmation is that local churches are free, under the Lordship of Christ, to determine their membership and leadership, to order their worship and work, to ordain whom they perceive as gifted for ministry, male or female, and to participate in the larger Body of Christ, of whose unity and mission Baptists are proudly a part."

A church is an autonomous body, subject only to Christ, its head. Its democratic government, properly reflects the equality and responsibility of believers under the Lordship of Christ. Based on Scripture, Baptists concluded that authority for church governance should reside with the congregation. This type of church government is called congregational polity. Baptists teach that the local congregation should have the authority to choose and ordain is own ministers, to decide the basis for membership, and to discipline its members.

Religious Freedom
" This is the historic Baptist affirmation of freedom OF religion, freedom FOR religion, and freedom FROM religion, insisting that Caesar is not Christ and Christ is not Caesar."

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