The meaning of membership is also deeply rooted in our Methodist heritage. John Wesley 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.
Membership
The Christian faith was never intended to be a solo journey. The first followers of Jesus came together for teaching, meals, prayers, and more.
(Acts 2:42)
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.
If you are ready to take the next steps and join our congregation at St. Paul's, you can do so by doing one of the following:
- Transfer of Membership: If you currently hold membership in another Christian church, we’d be honored to receive your transfer, regardless of denomination.
- Profession of Faith & Baptism: If you’ve never joined a church, professed faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, or been baptized, we’d be humbled to celebrate your profession of faith and baptism. (We recognize the faithful baptisms of other Christian denominations.)
- Confirmation: After a season of intense instruction in the teachings of the Church, those baptized as infants are invited to make a public profession of their faith.