On Becoming a Member

Here are the four ways to become a member of the United Methodist Church. First, you should know that we believe all Christians belong to the universal church of Jesus Christ.  Another way to say that is we believe all churches and denominations belong to the Church of Jesus Christ which is universal. So…if you are:

Already United Methodist

If you are already a United Methodist seeking to transfer your membership from another United Methodist Church let us know and we will extend to you a congregational word of hospitality and notify your previous congregation that you desire to transfer your membership.

Previous Church Membership

When you come to any congregation of the United Methodist Church be assured that we accept your baptism, your affirmation of faith, and your church membership regardless to which church or denomination you have previously belonged. To become a United Methodist is as simple as taking a vow of loyalty to support this congregation of the United Methodist Church with your prayer, presence, gifts, and service.

Baptism and/or Affirmation of Faith

When you come to any congregation of the United Methodist Church having been previously baptized or desiring baptism we would ask you these questions as an affirmation of your faith and desires: Do you repent of your sins? Do you accept the power God gives you to resist evil in your life and where ever it is found in the world? Do you believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as the one who saves you in this life and that life yet to come?  If need be we will baptize you in our most common way by sprinkling a small amount of water on your head.  We also baptize by pouring and immersion when a prior request is made. With baptism and/or an affirmation we offer a blessing confirming you into Christ Holy Church and then ask: Will you be faithful to the Church by supporting it with your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service?

We do not practice what some call “re-baptism” or a “second baptism” for we hold that baptism symbolizes God’s love at work in our lives no matter the age at which we were baptized or how much we know or don’t know about God’s love. Baptism is a symbol that forever points us toward God but more importantly acknowledges what God is doing even if we are not always aware of that grace which is at work in us.

Infant Baptism

In United Methodist Churches, baptism occurs most often when families bring their new born child to the Church as an expression of love and faith. For United Methodist, age is not a barrier to God’s work of grace and so we have no particular age stipulation believing that baptism is not what we are doing but rather what God is doing. Baptism is that symbol which belongs to God and is given to us through Christ’s Church. The pastors usually like to speak with parents to explain how United Methodist view baptism. This can often be done on a Sunday following worship and then a date set on a convenient Sunday.

Those seeking membership or baptism  can present themselves on any Sunday morning at the close of either worship hour.  It is a good thing if one of the pastors is aware of your request in advance.