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.

The first step to becoming a member at Bethlehem is to be baptized as a believer by immersion, whether at Bethlehem or elsewhere (previously). If you have not yet been baptized as a believer by immersion, you can learn more about this process on our Baptism page.

If you have been baptized, your first step toward membership is to attend a Membership Class. Please select one of the dates below to register for a class. The Membership Class has a two-fold purpose.

1. To provide an informal setting to learn what the pastoral staff, church, and Baptists in general believe on various topics. All are welcome, whether or not they are interested in membership.
2. 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. Attending this class is a requirement for church membership.

If you decide to move toward membership, an elder will be assigned to meet with you. Goals for this interview are ...

• To learn how the Lord saved you.
• To confirm that you understand 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.

The final step toward membership is to participate in a Covenant Affirmation during a Quarterly Strategy Meeting. We welcome new members four times per year, and at these meetings, each person joining affirms the Church Covenant before the congregation and is officially received into membership at Bethlehem.

We list the names of potential new members prior to each Covenant Affirmation and ask that anyone with concerns about someone proceeding toward membership contact us as quickly as possible.

If you have questions about the membership process, please contact Andrea Tjarks (612-338-7653 x444).

Upcoming Membership ClasseS