Membership | Covenant | History
Broadus Membership (back to top)
Our church receives members in three ways. The first is upon profession of faith and believer's baptism. We believe the fundamental requirement for membership is a belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who came into the world as a man, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead. A believer is one who follows Him as Lord and Savior, and accepts His gift of forgiveness and salvation. Though baptism by immersion (dunking) is not necessary for salvation, it is an important command of Jesus that we still follow closely. Christians coming to our church without the experience of immersion will be invited to participate in this meaningful symbol of faith.
Another way to become a member is by transfer of letter. Most Baptist churches and many from other denominations of like faith and practice will notify one another when a person has moved their membership. We accept verification from other churches of a person's faith and baptism.
Finally, we will also accept a person upon their statement of faith and baptism. In some cases, previous church records are no longer available and we will accept a person's word that they are a baptized believer.
While church membership is not a requirement for salvation, it is an important and sacred step of faith and obedience. Membership creates a strong identity with a church family and gives a strong witness to the community. Still, our church welcomes all people into worship, Bible study and fellowship regardless of their background or religious affiliation.
In you are interested in membership, please call Pastor Phil at 779-2700, or email him at phil@broadusmbc.org, or speak with him about your decision on a Sunday morning.
Broadus Covenant (back to top)
We believe in God the Father and in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Under the impact of His Holy Spirit, we consecrate ourselves to His service, the study of His Holy Word, and unity with one another in covenant with our God.
We will live together in brotherly love. We will help one another to think, speak and act as Christians.
We will remember each other in prayer and aid each other in sickness and distress.
We will make prayer a part of our daily living, seeking God's help to enable us to do our daily tasks as Christians.
We will actively support the programs of the church through our attendance and participation, and will cheerfully contribute to its ministry.
We will seek to live to the glory of Him who has called us into His service.
Broadus History (back to top)
Broadus Memorial Baptist Church was established in 1895 and was named after John A. Broadus, a renowned Baptist leader who had recently died. It began in a temporary building erected at 32nd and East Marshall Streets in the Church Hill area of Richmond. In 1901 the congregation entered a new building at 32nd and Broad Street. A significant event in the church's history was a merger with East End Baptist Church in 1945. A number of East End members are still active today.
In the 1950's Broadus relocated to the Glenwood Farms area of Henrico County. For several years the congregation met in the Ratcliffe Elementary School. A new sanctuary and educational space were constructed, and subsequently additional educational space and a family center were added by 1986.
In 2001 the church adopted "Vision 2001," which follows:
Broadus Memorial Baptist church is dedicated to bringing the people of Hanover and Henrico Counties to a life-changing commitment to Jesus Christ and into the fellowship of a local church. In order to do this most effectively, the church facilities will relocate to a site in Hanover County that offers a great potential for outreach and growth. We will also establish ongoing ministries in eastern Henrico County that will effectively bring people to faith in Christ and into the membership of a mission-minded, discipling church.
The church building was sold to Abundant Life Church of Christ, and Broadus began meeting in Lee-Davis High School in Hanover County in October 2005. Groundbreaking for the new facility was held in November 2005, and the first service was on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. A special dedication service was held April 29.
During the process of relocation, we also built ministry relationships with other churches and organizations to help us continue and expand our ministry to the residents of Henrico County and the City of Richmond. Much of our community benevolence work is done through the interdenominational FISH Ministry, which provides food, clothing and financial aid to eastern Henrico residents and Mechanicsville Christian Emergency Fund in Hanover County. We also actively support the Mission Centers of the Richmond Baptist Association.
A significant factor in the history of Broadus is the tenure of its pastors. From 1912 to 1997 the church had only three pastors, each serving an average of 28 years, and each retiring from their ministry here. Pastor Peacock was called as pastor in 1998.
