MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP

Becoming a member of Columbia demonstrates a commitment to Jesus Christ and His church. If Columbia has become your church home and you seek to impact His kingdom here, we invite you to become a member of our fellowship. Our community is dedicated to walking along side you on your spiritual journey and to help you become a whole-life disciple.

Columbia is who it is because of our members. Why is that? Our church’s members are its true stewards. They are the last and final authority in all matters, including our leadership, ministry plan and budget. God's Word explains in Ephesians 2 that God's people "are members of God's own household", i.e. the church. God wants us to belong to a church! Members have the the privilege of participating in business meetings, voting on issues that affect the body of the church, affirming new members and the budget. Membership is also required to volunteer for many leadership or teaching positions.

The first step towards membership is to watch the Columbia Way videos. They cover all aspects of membership, including the three ways in which you can join our fellowship:

• Baptism
• Statement (I have previously been baptized by immersion)
• Transfer of Letter (I wish to transfer my membership from another Baptist church)

Want to get started right away? Please contact our Connections Coordinator, Jennifer King.

An Introduction to Columbia

Columbia Way videos help you learn about our mission, ministries and discipleship model. It's an on-demand course designed to show you how everything we do at Columbia fits together and how you can join the mission! In addition to the videos, we host new member lunches with Dr. Baucom, Pastor Kris and other pastoral staff so we can get to know each other and you can ask any questions about Columbia and membership. These lunches are generally held once a quarter at 12:45 pm. Next: April 6, 2025.

Columbia Way is particularly beneficial for newcomers and those who are considering making Columbia their church home. It's an important part of our membership pathway. Access Columbia Way here! 

Baptism is the most powerful symbol of re-creation in Christ that exists in the church, so it is no wonder that new believers have come into the fellowship of the church this way throughout the entire history of the church. 

In fact, Jesus himself instituted the practice by choosing to be baptized by John the Baptist at the initiation of his earthly ministry.

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son whom I love; with you I am well pleased'." Mark 1:9-11 NIV

Jesus did not need  to be baptized, but he wanted to exhibit his obedience to his Heavenly Father from the very beginning of his ministry. Baptism is one of the first acts of obedience that demonstrates a desire to become like Jesus.

At Columbia, we baptize by immersion those who willingly commit their lives to Jesus. Modeling Jesus' example, every person in the Early Church who committed their lives to him was baptized by immersion.

I'M READY TO BE BAPTIZED

Our next baptism service is scheduled for May 4, 2025.  If you would like to be baptized, let us know by filling out our online Baptism form and a pastor will contact you. You may also request baptism by speaking with one of Columbia's pastors.

Check out a video of a recent baptism service here!