CHURCH HANDBOOK
OUR CHURCH is committed to proclaiming the Bible, God’s Word, so
Christians can grow in their faith and those who do not know Christ may come
to know and believe in Him.
OUR MISSION: “To attract and win members, to develop them to Christ
like maturity and to mobilize them for a meaningful ministry in the church
and a life mission in the world, in order to magnify God.
OUR BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: “We believe that a Great
Commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will
grow a Great Church that lives up to its name.”
REVEREND WALTER M. NETTLES, PASTOR
7615 MATAMOROS DRIVE
EL PASO, TX 79915
OFFICE: (915) 598-9657
CELL: (915) 202-2054
www.fmbcelpaso.com
E-mail: friendshipbapt1634@sbcglobal.net
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:
“Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ” - Ephesians 1:2
We thank God that you have chosen to unite with our congregation in fellowship and
service. We’re certainly not a perfect church, but we’ve discovered something worth
sharing with you – love and friendship!
Like you, we daily need wisdom and love beyond our own capacity. Because of this
we’ve found it important to set aside time each week to Worship God and to learn
from His Word. In our Sunday school, Baptist Training Union (BTU) and Worship
services both young and old learn principles for successful living not just for
Sunday’s – but Monday thru Saturday!
Another source of strength and joy is the support that other Christians give; What
encouragement comes from a variety of backgrounds and interests who care about
each other. What a comfort to receive encouragement and help from friends in the
time of need.
All the benefits that we e njoy are based on our commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ
and obedience to His Word. When you commit your life to Christ as Savior, you
entered into a special relationship with God that enables you to bear and face the
problems of life.
We believe the word s spoken by our Lord,” I am come that they might have life, and
that they might have it more abundantly”. We believe as the Bible teaches – that
Jesus made eternal life and forgiveness available to us when He died on the cross for
our sin; ”For Christ also hath once suffered for our sins, but not for the just, for the
unjust that He might bring us to God…”We also believe that by putting your trust in
the risen Lord Jesus Christ, you too can share the many blessings of God and His
people – “If thou shalt confess with thou mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine
heart that God raised Him (Jesus Christ) from the dead, thou shalt be saved…”
Friend, you are welcome to join in and help us remain the “THE CHURCH THAT
LIVES UP TO ITS NAME”
Your Expectations
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Active Membership:
Delinquent Membership:
Inactive Membership:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1)
The Lord’s church was established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts
2).
Christ is...
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The founder of the church (Matthew 16:18).
The foundation of the church (I Corinthians 3:11).
The head of the church (Ephesians 5:23).
The Ideal Church Member ...
A.
Must be "A living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God..."(Romans 12:1)
B.
A Present Church Member (Hebrew 10:25; Acts 20:7).
C.
A Cooperating Church Member (Romans 12:10).
1. We must not compromise but cooperate.
2. We should cooperate with Christ in obeying Him.
D.
A Sympathetic Church Member (Romans 12:15-17)
1. Be of the same mind toward another.
2. Rejoice with them that rejoice and weep with them that weep.
3. Recompense no man evil for evil.
E.
A Sincere Church Member (Romans 12:11).
1. We must be honest and truthful—never two-faced.
2. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
F.
A Contributing Church Member (Romans 12:8).
1. Should give with simplicity (Romans 12:13).
2. Give to the necessity of the saints.
G.
A Peaceful Church Member (Romans 12:9, Romans 10:14-21).
H.
A Growing Church Member (Ephesians 2:21; I Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18).
I.
A Studying Church Member (Acts 17:11).
J.
A Constant Church Member (I Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:2).
K.
A Praying Church Member (Acts 2:42).
An Active Participant
Actively involved in Worship Services - Prayer Services - Bible Classes
Paragraph four (4) of the Church’s Covenant states "To promote its (the church’s) prosperity and
spirituality, to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines;" These are on-going activities
that must be perpetuated by the membership of the church. Hence, active membership refers to
involvement on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis. We are to be witnessing and sharing Jesus
Christ with the lost and less fortunate daily. We should uphold or sustain the worship/praise services
on a weekly basis. Therefore, active membership involves participation in the church's program on a
week-to-week basis. Do this by exercising your gifts — That is giving of your time and talents in
areas where you are led to serve, such as: choir, teaching ministries, etc.
Terms you should know
Active Membership: When a member is in regular attendance and supporting the programs of the
church.
Delinquent Membership: when a member is absent three (3) consecutive weeks without
notification of his/her whereabouts. Individuals will be contacted by the Telephone Ministry.
Inactive Membership: When a member has been absent for six (6) months without notification of
his/her whereabouts. Individual will need to reinstate his/her membership upon his/her return.
Each member must be a faithful participant. The Lord’s work requires us to be diligent! Hence, we
must set aside time in order to be involved in the activities that will lead us into spiritual maturity:
Bible Study, Prayer Services, and Fellowship with other believers.
Our Services
Pastoral Services
The church is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and
fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances (Baptism and The Lord’s Supper) of Christ,
committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word,
and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth, (Hershel Hobbs). The first and foremost
responsibility of the Pastor and his ministerial staff is to preach God’s Word and to proclaim the truth
from a biblical perspective to those who will hear and obey. In addition, listed below are some
specific services and/or activities all members can expect:
In the Event of Sickness
You or someone in your family should call the church office. (915) 598-9657, Hospital visitation
(normal visiting days are: Wednesdays and Thursdays). Provide on site prayer, prior to surgery (if
notified).
Home visitations (upon request).
James, in Chapter 5 verses 14 and 15, gives us specific directions. He says, "Is any sick among you?
Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over them anointing him with oil in the
name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if
he has committed sins they shall be forgiven him." So if you are sick, you or someone in your family
should inform the church. If you are scheduled for surgery and wish to have someone there to pray
with you, notify the church.
In the Event of Death
In the event of death of an Active member, notify the church immediately if:
The family wishes to hold the memorial services here at the church. You’d like assistance in choosing
a funeral director.
The family wants assistance in preparing the order of service, obituary, etc.
The family wishes the church to host a repast.
Non-members:
All of the above except for the use of church facilities & repast.
Notify the church immediately when there is a death in the family, especially if the deceased is a
member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. First of all the church family wants to share your
grief and, at the same time, help you understand the inevitability of death. Secondly, if the funeral is
to be held here at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, we will assist in making funeral
arrangements — choosing an appropriate date and time, making up the program for the Memorial
Services and providing food for the family on the day of the Services. The final reason it is necessary
to inform the church when there is a death in the family, special arrangements must be made within
the church, such as the rescheduling or canceling of programs and/or activities.
Special Note: Due to the nature of planning and preparation, we do not change the date of a
wedding in order to have a Memorial Service.
In the event of the death of a family member who is not a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist
Church, the church will be there in support of the family. We encourage the use of funeral homes for
family members who are not members of this or any other local congregation. At the funeral home,
we would still be actively involved per your wishes. Remember, it is one’s relationship with the Lord
Jesus Christ that determines his destiny, not what is said or done at the Memorial Services.
Counseling
Make appointments for counseling by calling the church office (915) 598-9657.
Counseling is available to members who feel the need of this service in such areas as finance,
marriage resolution and/or family conflict, substance abuse and parenting. Appointments should be
scheduled through the Church office.
Letters of recommendation are also provided for members who are in good standing with the church
(See "What the church expects of you").
Baby Blessing
Baby blessings are held on the fourth Sunday of each month. Parents will need to call the church,
(915) 598-9657 to have their child scheduled. Participants in the ceremony include parents, and one
set of god–parents, who are actively involved with a Christian fellowship. Child must be 6 months or
younger.
Baby blessing is not a guaranteed blessing. It is the parents asking God to guide them in the rearing
of their child. Therefore, unsaved parents, whether it be one or both, need to meet with the Pastor in
order to determine their personal commitment in the blessing of a child.
Unwed parents who wish to have their baby blessed must, themselves, come before the church to
restore their fellowship. Scripture references: Galatians 6:1-8. and I Corinthians 5:9-11. Therefore a
counseling session with the pastor will be necessary.
Call the church to make an appointment with Pastor prior to date of baby blessing.
Weddings/Marriages
Christian marriages are to be done according to God’s Word – (No same sex marriages). Couples who
wish to have their wedding ceremony here at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church must receive premarital counseling prior to the ceremony. Call the church office (915) 598-9657 to schedule an
appointment for an initial interview.
At the initial interview, pastor will explain Friendship Missionary Baptist Church’s procedures, which
include:
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Pre-marital counseling
Confirmation of date and time for ceremony
Type of music
Elements within the ceremony
Church’s wedding coordinator
Benevolence Policy
Obtain a "Financial Assistance" Form, from the church office. Return completed form to the office.
The Benevolence Committee will make an appointment to meet with you.
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church’s motto: "The Church That Lives Up To Its Name." Friendship
Missionary Baptist Church’s visionary scripture: "For where there is no vision the people perish,"
(Proverbs 29:18). Therefore, it is from this perspective that this policy is developed. The meaning of
the word Benevolence implies concern and well being for others; those who are less fortunate.
Consequently, it is our duty, as a local body, to make a concerted effort to be concerned about those
who are in need. Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:42 to "Give to him that asketh thee, and from
him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." Isaiah 58:10 says, "And if thou draw out thy soul
to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul’ then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be
as the noonday."
So it is clear that we are to help those who find themselves in need, but it is also clear that we are to
behave in a responsible manner in this area. "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust,"
(I Timothy 6:20).
Following are the procedures for individuals seeking assistance:
1. Meet with a committee who will...
a.
Assess their immediate needs (food, shelter, etc.)
b.
Reaffirm their position in Christ or share the Message of Salvation with them.
2. Explore ways that will lead to financial/spiritual stability,
3. Develop a schedule for discipleship training and on-going contact, and
4. Be prepared to follow through with a meaningful outreach program.
Application for Assistance
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Benevolence Fund
In order to request assistance from the Friendship Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, the application for assistance must be filled out
in its entirety. If you are requesting assistance for yourself, please disregard all questions regarding the “referral” and fill out pages
1-3; if you are applying for assistance on behalf of another person, please fill out all questions to the best of your knowledge. The
Benevolence Fund Ministry may require additional information to make an appropriate decision.
Applicant Information
Date:_________________
Applicant’s Name:______________________________________________________________
Home Address:________________________________________________________________
Home Phone:________________________ Work Phone:_____________________
Cell Number:_________________________ Email:___________________________________
Is applicant a member of FMBC?
Yes
No
If not a member, how do you know about FMBC?_____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
If not a member of FMBC, do you attend church? Yes No
If yes, where?__________________________________________________________________
Reference’s Name (if applicable):___________________________________________________
Reference’s Home Address:_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Home Phone:_________________________ Work Phone:______________________________
Cell Number:__________________________ Email:___________________________________
Applicant Questions (Continued)
Are you currently employed?
Yes
No
If yes, where and for how long have you been employed there?____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
If no, how long have you been unemployed?__________________________________________
How have you been providing for yourself ?___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Are you a tither? Yes No
If yes, where do you give your tithe?_________________________________________________
What positive character qualities do you demonstrate consistently in your
life?__________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Do you have family in the area? Yes
No
If yes, how would you characterize your relationship? (ie. supportive,
estranged, etc.)_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
If no, where is your family?_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Describe your need for assistance?__________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What action do you desire to be taken on your behalf ?__________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Are there time restrictions or dates required for this action?_______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s Signature:____________________________ Date:________________
Application Received By:_________________________ Date:_________________
MinistryMember