MEMBERSHIP & BAPTISM

Becoming a Member of Arnold Community Church

We believe church membership is one of the best ways to grow in faith and build real relationships with others. If you’d like to join our ACC family, just reach out — we’d love to walk you through it!

Does Church Membership Matter?

As Christians, we’re all part of the worldwide Body of Christ. But local churches matter too — they’re where faith gets lived out day to day. The Bible shows this clearly. Peter encouraged leaders to care for their local flock (1 Peter 5:2), and most of Paul’s letters were written to specific local churches. From the very beginning, belonging to a local community has been part of following Jesus.

Why Join ACC?

We’re doing our best to build a community where people genuinely look out for each other. Jesus said this kind of love is what shows the world who his followers really are (John 13:35). God has also given church leaders a responsibility to care for and guide their congregation (Acts 20:28). Membership helps make that possible — and it helps you find your place in our church family.

What Does Membership Mean?

Membership isn’t about status. It’s a two-way commitment — you’re saying you want to be part of this community, and we’re committing to support your growth and journey. Everyone is welcome to participate in church life, but certain leadership roles are reserved for members. Think of it less like a legal contract and more like a family agreement: we’re in this together.

How Do I Join?

• Connect with us — reach out to the church office to set up a casual conversation with a Pastor
• Attend a workshop — you’ll learn about our history, vision, and core values
• Review our beliefs — take a look at our Confession of Faith and membership expectations; talk to a Pastor if you have questions
• Share your story — prepare a short testimony about your faith journey to share with the congregation
• Baptism — if you haven’t been baptized as a believer, we’ll be glad to arrange that; if you have, just let us know
• We’re genuinely excited about you joining our family. Each step is designed to help you feel informed, welcomed, and at home.

Baptism at Arnold Community Church

Our approach to baptism is shaped by our Mennonite Brethren roots, which blend Evangelical and Anabaptist traditions. It’s one of the most meaningful steps you can take in your faith journey.

What Baptism Means

Baptism is a public declaration that you’ve turned to Jesus — leaving your old life behind and stepping into new life in him. It’s a symbol of being forgiven, receiving the Holy Spirit, and committing to walk with Christ and his church. We baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).

Who Is Baptism For?

Baptism at ACC is for anyone who:

• Believes in Jesus as Lord and Saviour
• Understands what baptism means
• Is choosing it as a personal response to their faith
• Is ready to be part of our church community

How We Do It

We baptize by immersion, usually during a Sunday service. Before your baptism, you’ll have the opportunity to share a bit of your faith story — a meaningful moment for you and the whole congregation. Already baptized? If you were baptized as a believer elsewhere, we’re glad to welcome you into membership. If you were baptized as an infant, we’ll lovingly invite you to consider believer’s baptism as your own personal step of faith.

The Process

• Get connected — spend some time with us and get to know the community
• Have a conversation — reach out to the office and we’ll set up a chat with a Pastor
• Learn together — join a session covering our beliefs and what baptism means at ACC
• Review our faith — look over our Confession of Faith and values; bring any questions
• Write your testimony — a short, personal account of your faith journey to share with the congregation
• Celebrate! — your baptism takes place during a worship service, surrounded by your new church family
• We’re genuinely excited to walk alongside you in this. Every step is designed to help you feel prepared, supported, and at home.

Matthew 3:13-17; 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:2-6; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 2:12-13; Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 4:4-6