Expert: Paul Walker - 9/12/2008

Question
Do you believe that believer's baptism should be required for church membership?

Answer
Dear Matt,
Acts 8:36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?
Acts 10:47  CAN ANY MAN FORBID WATER, THAT THESE SHOULD NOT BE BAPTIZED, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 16:33  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and WAS BAPTIZED, he and all his, STRAIGHTWAY.
Those who have trusted in the Lord should want to be baptized. It is that first public act of testimony. However, it should not come before preaching the word to some one.
1 Corinthians 1:17  For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE, BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
As far as local Church membership is concerned, it is my opinion that faithful men ought to feed the flock the knowledge and understanding of God's word. Membership to the leadership and business of the Church should be limited to those faithful to prayer and service.
I hope this helps.
Paul Walker