At Crawford Avenue, we value meaningful church membership for our encouragement, our protection, and our instruction. We expect that our members will be committed to corporate worship, giving, prayer and service. These beliefs are evidenced in the four-step process by which prospective members are admitted into membership.
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Blueprint (Membership Class)
All prospective members must attend our Blueprint New Members’ Class. The curriculum is composed of four parts:
- Why Join a Church?
- History and Vision of Crawford Avenue Baptist Church
- Confession, Covenant, and Constitution
- Membership
The "Blueprint" class is routinely offered in a single afternoon, usually on Sundays, with frequent breaks and childcare provided (email admin@crawfordavenue.org for upcoming class schedules). Upon completion, participants are able, but not obligated, to schedule a membership interview with an elder, the second step of the membership process.
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Membership Interview
In a 30-45 minute meeting, the prospective member meets with an elder to provide basic biographical information and recount God’s converting work in his or her life. After affirming the church statement of faith and covenant, the prospective member may move to the next step in membership: elder recommendation.
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Elder Recommendation
During an elders’ meeting, the interviewing elder will review the applicant’s testimony with the other elders. Upon receiving their collective approval, the candidate’s application proceeds to the next step: congregational affirmation.
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Congregational Affirmation
During the next scheduled members’ meeting, an elder briefly describes the applicants who are being recommended for membership. A vote is taken and, with a majority secured, candidates are admitted into membership (candidates who have not yet been baptized as a believer will be admitted to membership upon their baptism into the church).