Membership

A person becomes an active member of the church through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and acceptance of his lordship in all of life. Baptism and a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ are the visible signs of entrance into active church membership.”       - Book of Order, Presbyterian Church (USA).

Membership of adults:

• By profession of faith; (If you have never been a member of any Christian church before and have never been baptized, you will be instructed in the meaning of baptism and baptized when you join the church.)
• By reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ; (When you have previously made a profession of faith in another Christian church, but you have no certificate of membership to transfer.)
• By certificate of transfer from another Christian church. Most people become members after attending Learning About Membership and Presbyterianism (LAMP) Classes that are scheduled throughout the year. Materials describing and explaining the ministry and mission of the church are distributed. Those seeking to join the church then meet with the Session (governing board) of the church to be accepted into active membership. New members are received into the congregation publicly in a brief ceremony during a Sunday morning worship service.

Membership of children:  Baptized children of members are considered “baptized members” of the church and may partake of the sacrament of communion at the guidance and discretion of their parents. Children normally enter into active membership after completing confirmation class and making their profession of faith. They are also baptized at that time if they have not been previously.

Confirmation:  Normally, parents are advised to enroll their child in confirmation class no earlier than the eighth grade. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s readiness for confirmation and any exceptions to standard procedure with the pastor. Members of the CE Committee can answer questions about this process.