Membership Matters
You Belong Here
Membership at Brainerd isn't a formality or a club — it's a partnership. Here's what that means, and how to take the next step.
Our Big Prayer
That by the Spirit's work in us together, more — and more — people would experience and enjoy all the grace that God has for them in Jesus.
A Family of People
Changed. Gathered. Called.
Three ways we describe who we are as a church — and what it means to be part of this family.
Changed
Brainerd is a family of people who have been — and are being — changed by Jesus. Personal repentance and faith in what God has done through Christ's life, death, resurrection, and rule is at the heart of it. Baptism follows that change as a believer's public profession of faith.
Gathered
We gather because we need each other, and because we need shepherding. That happens in layers — Sunday worship, Life Groups, and the everyday rhythms of serving and caring for one another — with pastors, deacons, staff, and teams all playing a part.
Called
Membership isn't signing up for benefits, like a club or a rewards program. It's committing to the calling God has placed on this church — a calling with a redemptive nature, a clear direction, a neighborly-to-global location, and a unity we only find together.
Part of Something Bigger
Our calling reaches further than this room
12
families currently serving overseas
50+
global partners we support
109
members sent on a trip last year
“Membership isn't signing up for a club, like Costco or the YMCA. It isn't an attempt to earn rewards points over time. It's committing to the calling God has for His church — and every member has gifts He wants to use.”
Core Beliefs
We hold to the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Christians have always had different views on plenty of secondary things, but some beliefs are at the center for us — Scripture, the Trinity, the person and work of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God's design for humanity, salvation through Christ alone, and His bodily return.
See what we believe →The Membership Covenant
Members renew a covenant with each other — to walk in love, watch over and encourage one another, keep gathering together, disciple our kids, bear each other's burdens, and give cheerfully toward the church's work. We'll walk through the full covenant together at your membership interview.
Ask about the covenant →The Process
The Path to Membership
- 1
Attend Membership Matters
A single evening that walks through what we believe, how we gather, and what it looks like to be called together as a church family.
- 2
Mark your path
Ready to join, have a few questions first, sensing it's time to be baptized, or just not ready yet — all four are welcome, and there's no pressure either way.
- 3
Membership interview
A staff member follows up within the week for an unhurried conversation — not an interrogation — about your story and how God's led you here.
- 4
Join the family
Begin partnering as a covenant member — praying, serving, giving, and gathering alongside this church.
Want to Go Deeper?
A few short books we hand out at Membership Matters, if you'd like to read ahead or go back over it afterward:
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're ready to join, still have questions, or want to talk about baptism first — let us know and someone from our team will follow up within the week. Ask at Connect, or reach out below.
Take the Next Step