First Class

Is church membership a biblical requirement for a Christian? . . . Read more

First Class is an eight week pre-membership class taught by the Senior Pastor.  First Class is the place to get to know Berean Baptist Church better--scroll down to see what is taught. If you're new to the church, or have attended for some time but not explored membership, you are encouraged to check out First Class right away.

First Class will help you get to know our pastors, our mission, vision, covenant, beliefs, values, and other believers who are exploring whether Berean Baptist is the place to make their church home. You'll get to hear from and meet many of our pastors and ask questions. We believe God accomplishes His purposes as individuals join themselves to and participate in local churches. First class is designed to help you make a wise, informed and Spirit-led decision about church membership. We think you'll thoroughly enjoy the class and find it to be a worthwhile investment of your time even if you decide your not ready for the step of membership. First class should be thought of as an eight week "boot camp" or discipleship class designed to help cement believers in their relationship with God. Scroll down to learn more about the details of the class. Check out the membership webpage to learn more about membership in the church.

Click on the link below to register for First Class

Register Here      Course Requirement Checklist     Steps toward Church Membership

Details:

• First Class is held every Sunday at 9.30 a.m. in room 110
• The start dates for the next session of First Class is:  Sunday, August 11, 2013.
• Room 110 is the Conference Room in the office wing of the church
• Child care is provided and children and student Sunday school occurs at the same time

When can I join the class?

The class runs for eight weeks. You may join anytime during the first 3 weeks; after that it would be better to wait till the next class begins.

Articles, Slides, Homework, and Links to Presentations and Messages:

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Week 0

• Class Registration
• Introductions
• Course Requirements
• Church Mission and Vision Statement

Week 1

• Our Mission As a Church (Class Video Presentation) Week 1 )       
• Powerpoint Slides for Week 1
• Read "God's Plan of Salvation" by Mark Dever
• Read "What does it mean to Call Upon the Name of the Lord for Salvation"WhatWhatInIn  
• Read "People In Hell Who Had a Personal Relationship with Jesus"
• When Ready: Pursue Berean's Steps to Church Membership 
• Turn In Week 1 Homework  
• Optional Extra Reading "A Vision Statement for Berean"

Week 2

• Steps oThe Church and Our Covenant (Class Video Presentation) Week 2
• Powerpoint Slides for Week 2    
•  Reference Berean's Articles of Faith online with embed Scriptural References
• Watch or Listen to a Message on "The Lord's Supper and Baptism"
• Reference Berean's Covenant with Scriptural Support Embedded in the Covenant
• Turn In Week 2 Homework
• Optional Extra Reading "The Celebration of  Baptism by Immersion" 
• Complete the Baptism Booklet if you have not been baptized by immersion after being born again

Week 3

• Our Doctrine and Articles of Faith (Class Video Presentation) Week 3 
• Powerpoint Slides for Week 3
• Read "Soul Liberty in the Non-Essentials of the Faith"
• Read "Abstain from Alcohol and Adultery: Because More Than Your Job..."
• Watch, Listen or Read a Message on "The Gift of Tongues"
• Turn In Week 3 Homework
• Optional Extra Reading "A Pastoral Position Paper on the King James Bible" 

 Week 4

• The Covenant and Our Behavior (Class Video Presentation) Week 4 
• Powerpoint Slides for Week 4   
• Watch or listen to a message on "The Perseverance of True Believers" 
• Read "Two Great Truths Orbit Around the Son"
• Turn In Week 4 Homework
• Optional Extra Reading The Lord's Supper: A Time of Holy Communion 

When ready READ about membership prohibitions, complete the membership questionnaire, and present yourself before the church to affirm your decision to unite w/ Berean and then schedule a membership interview with any pastor.

Week 5

• Giving our Time and Talents to the Church (Class Video Presentation) Week 5  CCC
• Powerpoint Slides for Week 5
• Read about Our Discipleship Philosophy on the Discipleship Webpage 
• Read "Have you Bought into the Lie about Judging?" 
• Turn In Week 5 Homework
• Optional Extra Reading Pastor Sean's Bio

Week 6

• Giving of our Finances to the Local Church Week 6 
• Powerpoint slides for Week 6
• Read about How to Give Electronically to the Church
• Read Several Short Articles on the Bible and KJV-Only and Sound Doctrine
• Turn In Week 6 Homework
• Optional Extra Reading BBA Tuition Tithing Discount Policy 

 WeeHWeekGiving of our Finances to the Local Church Week 6 

Week 7

• Formative Church Discipline (Class Video Presentation) Week 7
• Powerpoint Slides for Week 7
• Read "An Inexcusable Omission"
• Listen to "A House of Prayer"
• Turn In Week 7 Homework
• Optional Extra Reading "The Sinner's Prayer Biblical or X-Biblical" 

 Week 8

• Formal and Corrective Church Discipline (Class Video Presentation) Week 8
• Powerpoint Slides for Week 8
• Read Church Membership and Attendance
• Read "Is Church Membership Biblical?" by Matt Chandler
• Turn In Week 8 Homework and the Course Requirement Completetion Checklist

he Gift of Tongues to the Early Church  http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=128112016340 Week 1 Week 1 What does it mean to Call Upon the Name of the Lord for SalvationWhatWhatInIn  Once candidates for membership complete First Class, they turn in their couse requirement checklist and are interviewed by a pastor, their names are presented for approval before the church at a members meeting. Candidates approved for membership will be notified in writing of their inclusion into the voting membership of Berean.