Church Manual - General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP 31
committed to all fundamental beliefs and related practices of the church
and are prepared to assume the responsibilities of church membership.
Churches should insist on the application of this as a guiding principle in
the reception of new members. Churches, through the church board,
should insist that candidates be instructed individually and, in addition,
wherever possible, that they be taught in a baptismal class.
“The test of discipleship is not brought to bear as closely as it should
be upon those who present themselves for baptism. It should be
understood whether they are simply taking the name of Seventh-day
Adventists, or whether they are taking their stand on the Lord’s side, to
come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean
thing. Before baptism there should be a thorough inquiry as to the
experience of the candidates. Let this inquiry be made, not in a cold and
distant way, but kindly, tenderly, pointing the new converts to the Lamb
of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Bring the requirements of
the gospel to bear upon the candidates for baptism.”—Testimonies, vol.
6, pp. 95, 96.
“When they give evidence that they fully understand their position,
they are to be accepted.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 128.
Public Examination—The church has a right to know concerning the
faith and attitude of every individual applying for church membership. It
is proper for a public examination of all candidates to be held prior to
their baptism, preferably in the presence of the church. If this should
prove to be impracticable, then it should be brought before the church
board or a committee appointed by the church board, such as the board of
elders, whose report should then be rendered to the church prior to the
baptism. When the alternative mentioned under the preceding section is
used, opportunity should be given for candidates to give public
expression of their desire to unite with the church and to be identified
with and by the church.
Baptismal Covenant—A summary of doctrinal beliefs, prepared
especially for the instruction of candidates for baptism, together with
Baptismal Vow and Certificate of Baptism and Commitment, have been
adopted by the denomination as a baptismal covenant. A printed copy of
this covenant, with the Certificate of Baptism and Commitment properly
completed, should be furnished to all those who are accepted for church
membership by baptism. In the case of those received on profession of
faith, an appropriate certificate will also be given.
This summary of doctrinal beliefs is especially prepared for the
instruction of candidates for baptism. Each candidate should be
thoroughly familiar with the teachings contained in this summary and