The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches

by Edward T. Hiscox

It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but “one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,” and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church, and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, “baptism was the door into the church.” Now, it is different; and while the churches are desirous of receiving members, they are wary and cautious that they do not receive unworthy persons. The churches therefore have candidates come before them, make their statement, give their “experience,” and then their reception is decided by a vote of the members. And while they cannot become members without baptism, yet it is the vote of the body which admits them to its fellowship on receiving baptism.

There are three classes of candidates, and modes of reception to membership.

1. By baptism.—The church having listened to the religious experience of the candidate, and being satisfied with the same, and with his Christian deportment, votes to receive him to its fellowship, “on being baptized.”

2. By letter.—The candidate presents a letter of dismission and recommendation from some other Baptist church with which he has been connected, for the purpose of transferring his membership to this. The church, being satisfied, votes to receive him into fellowship.

3. By experience.—Persons having been baptized, but for some reason being without membership in any church, wish to be received. They, giving satisfactory evidence of Christian character, and substantial agreement in matters of faith and practice, are received by vote, as in other cases.

Note 1.—Persons cannot be received to membership on the credit of letters from other denominations. Such letters are, however, accepted, as certificates of Christian character, and of church standing.

Note 2.—While the churches do not require candidates to sign any creed, confession, or articles of faith, yet they do expect a substantial agreement in matters of faith and practice on their part as essential both to the comfort of the individual, and the harmony of the body.

Note 3.—Should any member object to the reception of a candidate, such reception should be deferred, in order to consider the reasons for the objection. Objections judged groundless or unreasonable should not prevent the reception of a suitable candidate; yet no one should be received except by a unanimous or nearly unanimous vote.

Note 4.—It is customary for candidates, after their experience or letters have been presented, to retire while the church deliberates and acts upon their case.

Note 5.—Any member in good standing, is entitled, at any time, to a letter of dismission, in the usual form, with which to unite with another church of the same faith and order.