Sample Questions for the membership interview:

Conversion
1. Are you a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? Describe the circumstances surrounding God saving you:
2. How do you know for certain that God has saved you?
Spiritual growth
3. How would you describe your spiritual growth since your conversion?
List things that have had a major impact on your sanctification. Briefly describe your habit of prayer, Bible reading, church attendance, and evangelism, etc.
Baptism*
4. Have you been baptized upon profession of faith? If so, at what age? If not, do you desire to be baptized before joining this church? At which church were you baptized?
Church background/History
5. At which other churches were you previously a member or attender?
6. Why did you leave (or are leaving) the last church you attended (or were a member at)? Do we have your permission to contact the church about your membership/attendance there?
7. Is there any unreconciled business or unreconciled relationships at your last church?
8. Have you ever been excommunicated or brought under church discipline?
If so, which church? Why were you under church discipline?
9. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Have you ever been accused of abusing or molesting a child?
Spiritual gifts/Ministry
10.  Every believer has received at least one spiritual gift from God (Rom. 12:6). What do you think your gift(s) may be? (Examples from Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12: preaching/teaching, wisdom, serving, encouraging, giving, showing mercy)
11.  What types or areas of ministry were you involved at previous churches?
12. Members are expected to serve or minister in the church. Which areas in which you are interested in serving? (E.g., Nursery; Children; Evangelism; Fellowship; Hospitality; Missions; Facilities; Music; Prayer; Technology; Benevolence; Encouragement; Decorating)
Joining our church
13. Why do you wish to join the membership of Mercy Baptist Church?
14. Have you read the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689?
Is there any portion of the confession that you cannot in good conscience “substantially subscribe” to? If so, which section/chapter/paragraph can you not substantially subscribe to? and why can you cannot subscribe to it? **

*  Our constitution states: “As a church, we practice baptism by immersion. Therefore, baptism is strongly urged upon each one applying for membership and, in most cases, is required. Exceptions are subject to the examination and consideration of the eldership, and the will of the assembly.”
**  Our constitution states: “Any person who professes repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, with a credible public testimony of a life transformed by the power of Christ, who expresses substantial agreement with the doctrines and aims of the church, and who is willing to submit to its government shall be eligible for membership in it.” (p. 3, emphasis added)

Having been born again by the Spirit of God and drawn to faith and repentance in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in light of our baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we now covenant with one another as members of Christ’s body.
With prayerful dependence on God, we will:
● Magnify Jesus Christ and his cross in all that we do, remembering that we are sinners saved by grace
● Surrender our hearts and lives to God’s Word
● Exemplify a true Christian community by cultivating humility; loving, caring, and admonishing one another; sharing in each other’s joys and bearing each other’s burdens; and by seeking unity, purity, and peace
● Walk by the Spirit, living holy lives rather than indulging in the flesh; forgiving and being forgiven as God has forgiven us in Christ
● Serve the Lord and our brothers and sisters in the work of the ministry, exercise our spiritual gifts in the church body, and show hospitality
● Recognize that Christ has granted us liberty of conscience concerning things not commanded in God's word
● Be faithful in God’s word and prayer by studying the Bible privately and corporately and praying for ourselves and others
● Bring the power of God’s gospel to those in our care and acquaintance by word and action, praying that Christ would save unbelievers and strengthen believers
● Participate actively in the life of the church, gathering as a church family, receiving God’s word, and observing the Lord’s Supper
● Give cheerfully and regularly to the Lord by financially supporting the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel to all nations
● Administer church discipline with a heart of love, always ready for reconciliation, and when needed, receive discipline with humility
● Submit to the biblical leadership of our church’s elders and hold both our elders and deacons accountable to the duties and qualifications of their scriptural calling
● Seek dismissal from this church and covenant, if we should move from this local congregation, and as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of the Word of God
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.