As you read the New Testament, you read letters to local communities of believers who had been joined together by the gospel of Christ (Romans 16:3-5). The people who made up these communities consistently worshiped together (Hebrews 10:24-25), were accountable to one another (Galatians 6:1), encouraged one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), served one another (1 Peter 4:10), and contended for the gospel together using their spiritual gifts and financial means to edify the church and move the mission forward (Philippians 1:5, 27; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These local congregations kept lists of widows in their congregation whom they sought to care for and serve (1 Timothy 5:9). The people that made up these congregations made decisions together as a congregation for the congregation (Acts 6:1-7.). These local congregations each had an established plurality of leaders called Elders (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7). The members were to submit to their leaders and pray for them (Hebrews 13:17). They also faced discipline from the community and its leaders when they strayed from the truth or engaged in a lifestyle that was not in step with the gospel (1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). All these things would be meaningless if there did not exist a commitment to mutual accountability among a specific body of believers.

Therefore, Oak Ridge Baptist Church believes that church membership is a New Testament reality and should be embraced by every believer. Oak Ridge Baptist Church greatly values church membership. Those who are members of the church partner with the elders, deacons, staff, and other members of the church to carry out its missional calling to our neighbors and to the nations. As a member, you move from consumer to contributor, from observer to participant. When you become a member, you are embracing your calling to belong to a local body of fellow Christ-followers with whom you can worship and serve and be on mission. To become a member is to commit to full participation with the people of Oak Ridge Baptist Church. Membership also clearly identifies who the leadership of the church is accountable for before God (Hebrews 13:17). The leadership and staff are committed first and foremost to the members of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, covering them with prayer and providing them with leadership, instruction, counsel, and care while helping them to carry out their missional calling. 

If you want to know God in a deeper and more satisfying way, if you want to grow in your faith, if you want to experience deep and meaningful relationships, and if you want to engage in service that will have an eternal impact upon people and generations, then joining a church is the most important thing you can do. Spiritual formation and mission are community projects. We are looking forward to being that community for you.