Membership
Interested in becoming a member of Peace Church?
Interested in becoming a member of Peace Church? Join one of our Membership Classes from 12-2 PM in the Chapel to learn about our theology, philosophy, and how to get involved. Childcare is provided. After completing both classes, you'll meet with a zone elder to finalize your membership. Click here to register for a membership class. For more specific questions about baptism, profession of faith, or upcoming membership classes, contact membership@peacechurch.cc.
We believe that Jesus has commanded all those who are His to be baptized with pure water "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). This sacrament signifies our reception into the Church of God, which separates us from all other religions and dedicates us wholly to Him (Galatians 3:27). Yet, we deny that baptism is necessary for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 23:42-43, Romans 3:28, Romans 4:5, Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:5). We believe and confess that Jesus Christ, by His sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood, has fulfilled and abolished the old covenant practice of circumcision, instituting instead the sacrament of baptism (Colossians 2:11-12).
Therefore, we believe in the baptism of infants, as it aligns with the biblical precedent of including children in the covenant community, much like the practice of circumcision under the old covenant (Genesis 17:10-12; Acts 2:38-39). Christ's redemptive work extends to the children of believers, and they, too, should receive the sign and sacrament of baptism, affirming that Jesus shed His blood for them as well (Luke 18:15-17; Acts 16:31-33). This practice underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises, ensuring that our children are marked by the covenant from the earliest moments of their lives (Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Corinthians 7:14). We hold firmly that this sacrament, once administered, is sufficient for the entirety of one's life, symbolizing both our initiation into the faith and God's enduring grace towards us (Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:3-4).
Article about Infant Baptism
We believe that profession of faith is an essential outward expression of an inward belief in Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that faith should not remain private but should be confessed openly, as seen in Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Jesus also warns against being ashamed to profess faith before others (Matthew 10:33; Luke 9:26). While the Bible does not prescribe a specific method for this profession, we recognize the longstanding tradition in church history of publicly affirming one’s faith, whether as a new believer or as a child raised in the church. Because of this, we ask those who have never publicly professed their faith in a church setting to do so when becoming members. We see this as an opportunity to glorify God, encourage fellow believers, and affirm one’s commitment to Christ and His Church.
We believe that profession of faith is closely connected to both church membership and baptism. We practice covenantal infant baptism, and those baptized as children later profess their faith when they have a firm understanding of the gospel. For those who were not baptized as children, profession of faith and baptism occur together. We know that some lifelong believers may feel that a formal profession is unnecessary, but we encourage it as an act of testimony, unity, and accountability within the church. Through this process, we affirm that new members are not only declaring their faith but also committing to walk with the Lord, support fellow believers, and receive the loving guidance of the church community.
Article about Profession of Faith
