What Makes The SBC of Virginia Different

If you are thinking about becoming a member of an SBC of Virginia church, you may have some questions about what makes SBC of Virginia churches different from other churches. You may wonder why these groups of believers choose to be associated with the SBC of Virginia.

The churches that make up the SBC of Virginia hold themselves to the highest standard of truth and accountability – the Scriptures. SBC of Virginia churches believe strongly that the Bible provides the ultimate standard from which we draw our membership requirements.

A Biblical Definition of Church

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers that is:

• Associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel
• Observing the two ordinances of Christ
• Governed by His laws
• Exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word
• Seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the Earth

Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.

Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.

Receiving Members

SBCV churches receive members traditionally by the following:

• Profession of Faith - Professing Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and following him in believer's baptism.
• Letter of Recommendation - It is common for Baptist churches to send letters of recommendation to a sister church upon the request of the candidate.
• Statement of Faith - A candidate may come by statement of faith when a letter cannot be found or is refused by the former church.

Find a Church

If you'd like to join an SBCV church, but don't already know of one near you, check out our Churches directory.