Becoming a Member of First Presbyterian Church

Becoming a member of a congregation is often one or the most important and transforming experiences of a person’s life. Additionally, any kind of change in the way a person approaches faith--is always an emotional and consequential transition. We respect all persons in the decision-making and adjustment process. We want to honor this process by providing information about the Presbyterian approach to Christian living and by refraining from any form of pressure or manipulation.

The Presbyterian Way of Life

Most people who become Presbyterians as adults are switching to this tradition from other forms of Christianity. Often they see in the Presbyterian way of life…

• a full and thoughtful approach to faith that holds fast to timeless Christian truth while being conversant with new forms of understanding that are always emerging,

• the relative absence of social pressure to believe or behave in prescribed ways,

• a respect for all Christian traditions, which does not require one to reject aspects of faith that are emphasized in other churches,

• sensible church governance that is oriented around group decision-making rather than rule by individuals,

• and an optimistic engagement with the secular world that sees improvement in all areas of life (beginning in the church) as achievable.

Becoming a Member

Membership in the First Presbyterian Church congregation is essentially an active relationship with God and with this particular group of Christians. Accordingly, membership typically entails many of the following activities:

• Taking part in the friendship circle and worship life of the congregation

• Supporting the church’s work through time and financial giving

• Demonstrating a new quality of living in every sphere of one’s life

• Participating in the leadership of the church • Living responsibly at home, work, school, and community

There are four ways that people enter the membership of First Presbyterian Church:

• Baptism and Profession of Faith: this is for people becoming Christians and entering a church for the first time.

• Profession of Faith: this is for baptized persons who have never united with a church as a member.

• Reaffirmation of Faith: this is for church members of any church who have become inactive in their former church and wish to become active members of First Presbyterian Church.

• Letter of Transfer: this is for members of Presbyterian (or similar) churches who are currently active and wish to switch their active status to First Presbyterian. The New Member Classes Our new member classes are designed to give prospective members an introduction to Christian discipleship and this congregation.

The New Member classes include the following topics:

• An introduction the Christian faith and plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions.

• A brief history of this congregation and a tour of our facilities.

• An introduction to our church’s governance and programs.

• Time to talk with the pastor.

The Process of Joining First Presbyterian’s membership

 • Visitors who show interest in this congregation will be invited by the pastor or officer of the church to become a member

• Upon your indication that you intend to become a member, you will receive information forms so the church office can contact you

• New members ordinarily attend the New Member Classes

• Near the end of the class, new members will meet with the church’s officers (the Session) to get to know one another. The Session will receive new member candidates formally by including their names on the membership role.

• At a subsequent worship service new members will be introduced to the congregation and given opportunity to acknowledge their Christian faith and be welcomed into the fellowship.

New Member Luncheon February 2009