That has been partly answered already in setting
out the sequence -
Faith ± baptism ± membership.
The actual procedure is very simple, When
you apply for membership you will be interviewed by office-bearers of the
church who will want to hear your 'testimony' and know something of your
spiritual experience. When the church has accepted your application after
hearing a report from those who interviewed you, you will be received into
membership, usually on a Sunday at the Lord's Table, The pastor or one
of the elders will give you 'the right hand of fellowship'(Gal. 2:9), That
may seem a strange term for a simple handshake, but it means a great deal
more than a mere 'Hallo' or introduction, It means that you are accepted
into the fellowship and care of the church with all the privileges that
will bring. The handshake is also a sign that you commit yourself to the
church to fulfil the obligations that being a church member will involve.
The 'right hand of fellowship' is the sealing of a contract between you
and the church in the presence of the congregation.
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