Joining the Church as an Active Member

Membership into the ministry at First Presbyterian Church near Ely involves faith, dedication, and intentionality to serve God with this church community.  It is a blessing to be part of the life and action of our church family as a member.

MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the congregation has both privileges and responsibilities in growing personal discipleship with Christ and with one another in the congregation.

A church member accepts Christ’s call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of the congregation. Such involvement includes:

1. Sharing the good news
2. Taking part in the life and worship of the congregation
3. Praying and studying Scriptures
4. Supporting the work of the church through time, talents, and money
5. Participating in the organization of the congregation
6. Living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, and social relationships of life.
    (Summation of G-5.0102)

PREPARATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

The Pastor and the Session of Elders prepare the person seeking church membership by conversation and instruction about the congregation’s ministries and about the person’s faith and discipleship. This will occur in a two-session Member Orientation and will conclude in the Session’s approval of the request for membership. The purpose of the Member Orientation is to understand the current ministries and worship of the congregation and the new member’s connection with the congregation. The purpose of the Session’s approval is to welcome the new member into the life and discipleship of the congregation (as directed by the by-laws of the church.)

A person enters into active church membership in one of the three following ways.

1. Profession: If a person has not previously received the Sacrament of Baptism, then the time of joining into the membership of the church is the time to be baptized and publically profess faith.

2. Transfer: If a person is transferring from another congregation, a certificate of transfer from another Christian church can be the means of membership. Our church office will request a transfer with your permission.

3. Reaffirmation: Baptized persons who desire to participate actively in the congregation join through reaffirming their faith.

MEMBERSHIP VOWS

A new member will be recognized during a Sunday morning worship service in order to celebrate their faith, commitment, and discipleship in being called into this congregation. The new member will answer the questions below. The new member may also share their faith story if desired.

1. Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power
in the world?       I do.
2. Who is your Lord and Savior?      Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
3. Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love?      I will with God’s help.

Jesus said, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 28:19)

We welcome you to join our church family!

Printable .pdf Membership Brochure

Printable .pdf New Member Form