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THIS IS THE WAY. WALK IN IT.
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One may unite with our church by coming forward at the close of any worship service as the pastor stands to greet you. One may be received in the following ways:

*By Profession of Faith. If you are receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord and desire to follow him in baptism by immersion, we welcome you.

*By Baptism from Another Denomination . If you have previously received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord and now desire to identify with the Baptist church and follow Christ in believer's baptism by immersion, we welcome you. This in no way degrades your prior Christian experience or salvation, but clarifies your involvement with a Baptist church.

*By Statement. If you have previously received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord and have received believer's baptism by immersion but have membership in a non-Baptist church, or if your church records have been lost, or if the church of which you are a member has disbanded, we welcome you.

*By Letter. If you are currently a member of another Baptist church we will correspond with that church and transfer your membership to Central Baptist Bearden as we welcome you.

Central Baptist Bearden has become a relatively large church. Any Sunday there may be 1500 in Bible Study and closer to 2000 in worship. God has blessed our congregation with steady growth, yet some who come are not familiar with a large church and may be frightened or tentative. Eventually, most realize that our church is neither cold nor formal, however large. There are many advantages about a big church that make it special.

1. Jesus Intended That His Church Grow and when the Lord's hand is on His church it will grow. That growth will vary according to the size of the community and the receptivity of the people, but the church was intended to be an expanding body.
2. A Large Church Can Provide Rich Fellowship through many small group opportunities. The options range from women's studies to volleyball games to music ensembles to luncheons to mission teams to retreats and more. The most plentiful and most effective of all the small groupings is the Sunday School class unit. Here a group from 5 to 35 have a chance to get to know one another, study the Bible together, fellowship together, serve together and care for one another.
   Some have their own projects, newsletter and activities. By participating in Sunday School one has the best of both worlds, the intimacy of a small group and the inspiration of a large church. In the large church one can always expand relationships by meeting new people- that's an exciting and challenging opportunity. Our goal should be the admonition of Jesus who said, "By this shall they know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another."
3. A Large Church Provides an Excellent Opportunity for Evangelism. Most people find it much easier to invite others to attend church with them if the church is large. There are so many special events, programs and services - opportunities to invite the troubled or unchurched, who know they can remain anonymous for awhile if they choose. Some may first come out of curiosity or due to a specific activity, then slowly they listen and feel more comfortable and the truths of the Gospel begin to sink in.
4. A Large Church is Inspirational and Has Positive Influence! Jesus said He wanted His house to be full (Luke 14:23). It's inspiring to sing and share with hundreds of worshippers. It's uplifting to hear a large choir and orchestra, witness a drama or see large numbers of youth or children participate. Teenagers and single adults particularly are drawn to a large group. All of us like the feeling of support and strength in knowing we do not stand alone. It is most reassuring there are hundreds, even thousands, of others who want to live for God in the world.
5. A Large Church Provides Many Opportunities for Service! It is often erroneously assumed that volunteers are not needed in a large church. The truth is just the opposite, for there are so many more positions of responsibility to fill in the large church. Whatever God has gifted you to do, there will be an opportunity for your talents and interests. Additionally, our church has rec- ognized over 200 "volunteers in mission" who have served beyond the walls of our church in the service of our Lord. God's people are known for serving needs through Him.