Become a Member

CONNECT!

What Is a United Methodist?

The meaning of membership is deeply rooted in our Methodist heritage. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was clear that Christianity is a social religion, and that our growth in holiness of heart and life is deeply dependent on being in face-to-face community with others who are watching over us (and we over them) in love. It is through these face-to-face relationships that we experience what it means to be the body of Christ in the world.

For United Methodists, membership requires our active participation in a local congregation. When we become members, we profess our faith in God, our desire to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, and commit to join with our church community to keep the vows made at baptism. The vows we make include promises to faithfully participate in the life and ministries of our local congregation through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

Throughout our life, as we pray, study the scriptures, worship, and share in fellowship with other Christians, we deepen our knowledge of and love for God. As we respond with compassion to human need and work for justice in our communities, we strengthen our capacity to love our neighbors. We confess and repent of our sins, ways in which we fall short of God's way. In this way, our inner thoughts and motives, as well as our outer actions and behavior, are aligned with God's will and testify to our union with God.

How Do I Become A Member?

There are two types of Membership, they result in the same thing, but are different based on where you are coming from. If you have been a member of a different United Methodist Church, you can ask to transfer your membership. There is a written process between the pastor of each church. While we may ask you to stand before the congregation and be recognized, there are no specific requirements beyond simply making the transfer official.

For those who have never been a member of another church or are coming from a Non-United Methodist Church, the process is a little more in depth. Still it is not a time consuming process, and should not cause any anxiety. We simply want to make sure you are aware of our history and our theology, so that you feel comfortable making the commitment to become a members.

Here are the steps for Non-United Methodists to join.

If you have never been baptized, then baptism will be part of the membership process. Please note that we do not believe in second baptisms. If you have been baptized in any Christian church, your baptism is complete and does not need to be repeated.
Meet with the pastor. This is an informal meeting where everyone can get to know one another and have a chance to ask questions.
Be willing to answer yes to the 4 membership vows. These are also printed in the United Methodist Hymnal Page 34 (section 4) and Page 38 (sections 14 & 15).
We will pick a Sunday where you can be at the worship service, so that the congregation can join in the celebration of your membership.
On that day, you will be asked to come forward and answer the questions referenced above.

Children and Infants?

In the United Methodist Church, we celebrate infant baptism and adult baptism. We believe, however, in only one baptism. We believe once a persion is baptized, they are always considered to be baptized. Adults who have never been baptism will undergo baptism as part of becoming a member of the church.

Infant baptism, and those too young to speak for themselves, is it's own unique process in the United Methodist Church. When a child or infant is presented for baptism, it is the parents or guardians who take the vows on behalf of the child. They promise to raise the child in a Christian home and church community being taught Christian values.

When a youth at about the age of 12 or older decides to join the church, they enter a process call Confirmation. After learning about the church, they officially Confirm the vows made by their parent or guardian at their baptism for themselves. Confirmation takes place during a Sunday worship after which they become full members of the congregation.