Why Membership?

Becoming a member of a church is an important part of the Christian life. The church is not a club; instead, it is God’s bound-together people gathered under His supreme rule. The local church is where we “go public” to declare our highest allegiance to Christ, take specific responsibility for one another, and live in authentic community. Whether you are seeking baptism, church membership, or both, we invite you to take the next step in your discipleship to Christ.

Apply for Membership & Baptism

What We Believe

At Stone Hill Church, we stand in the line of the Protestant Reformation, trusting that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ Jesus alone, and not by our own efforts or works. We are committed to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired by God, inerrant in the original writings, and the supreme and final authority in faith and life. We are a gospel-centered, non-denominational local church. We believe Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again—and that this same gospel empowers us to live a new life as believers. As a church body, we observe two main ordinances:

  • Baptism: An outward picture of a believer’s union with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, as well as cleansing from sin. We emphasize believer’s baptism by immersion, while leaving the mode of baptism to individual conscience for parents who desire infant baptism for their children.
  • Communion: Remembering the broken body and shed blood of Christ, examining ourselves, and celebrating together in thankful remembrance of His sacrifice until He returns.

At Stone Hill, candidates for baptism complete their membership interview at the same time and are officially admitted into church membership upon their baptism, uniting the public declaration of their faith with formal entry into our local church body

 

The Membership Process

Once you have submitted your application, church staff will assist with moving you through the process one step at a time. If you have any questions about your status, feel free to reach out to members@stonehillprinceton.org.

  1. Submit Your Application: Fill out the online application.
  2. Complete the Course: Complete the online Baptism and Membership Course on RightNow Media.
  3. Pastoral & Elder Interviews: Interview with a pastor and meet before at least two elders for examination and spiritual care.
  4. Public Welcome or Baptism: Be publicly welcomed into membership or admitted upon your baptism during a worship service.

FAQ for Membership & Baptism

What is Stone Hill's stance on Infant Baptism vs. Believer's Baptism?

Our historic teaching and practice emphasizes believer’s baptism by immersion. However, according to our by-laws, the mode of baptism is left to the conscience of the individual, allowing parents who desire it to have their infant children baptized by a willing pastor at a special service.

Who is welcome to participate in Communion?

All baptized Christians, regardless of membership status, are welcome to partake in Communion at Stone Hill Church.

What Bible translation does Stone Hill use?

We use the English Standard Version (ESV) in our pulpit and pew Bibles because it remains faithful to original Greek and Hebrew texts while offering a clear, readable format.

How does the church approach political diversity?

We prioritize our shared identity in Jesus Christ over any political identity. We welcome a diversity of political opinions, do not tell people how to vote, and seek to protect church unity through mutual love and understanding.

How is church leadership structured?

Stone Hill is an elder-led church with congregational input. Elders oversee spiritual care and doctrinal oversight, while elected deacons manage ministry administration and care services. Members participate by voting on pastors, officers, and annual budgets.

Can youth or children become members?

Yes, youth and children may pursue membership and baptism with parental consent. Members aged 13 and older receive full voting privileges at annual and special meetings

Ready to take the next step?

Submit an application and someone on staff will reach out to you with next steps!

Apply for Membership & Baptism