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Membership at FPC Biloxi

We take church membership seriously at First Presbyterian Church because when Christ saved his people, he not only saved them into himself, but he saved them into his church. The Christian life is a connected life both to God and to his people. In fact, the metaphors that are used in the New Testament for the church include words such as “flock, temple, household, body, etc.” which all imply a clear distinction between who is a member and who is not.

So if you are a believer in Christ and have yet to join a local church, we encourage you to do so. By joining the church you are making a commitment to support the church with your time, talents, and treasures, and the church is committing to support you in your Christian growth, accountability, protection. You also have a voice in selecting the church elders and deacons. Joining the church is a commitment to a relationship; you to the church, and the church to you.

Becoming a member at First Presbyterian Church is fairly simple. You are not required to affirm all of the doctrinal positions to which our church holds. All we ask is that you affirm the basic gospel message, have been baptized (or will be at the time of your membership), will seek after God for the power and grace to live the Christian life, and will support your church family.

If you believe this, then let the pastor or any of the elders know. Then you can set up a time to share your testimony of faith and your understanding of the gospel to the elders. This is also a time to get to know one another, ask and answer any questions you may have, and be prayed for as you become a member. The final step in the process is that you simply affirm the following questions before the congregation:

  • Concerns your conviction of sin: Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving his displeasure, and without hope save in his sovereign mercy?

  • Concerns your faith in Christ as Savior: Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon him alone for your salvation as he is offered in the gospel?

  • Concerns your commitment to live for Christ: Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes a follower of Christ?

  • Concerns your pledge to support the church: Do you promise to support the church its worship and work to the best of your ability?

  • Concerns your regard for promoting peace within the church: Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the church and promise to study its purity and peace?

Answering these questions communicates to the congregation that you believe the gospel, are seeking to live for God, and that you will live out your Christian life in the context of First Presbyterian Church. And if you or your children have yet to be baptized, this will be a time to receive and celebrate baptism as well.

If you have any other questions or concerns about becoming a member at First Presbyterian Church, contact Tim Horn at or at 228.374.6880.