Church Membership

• The incarnation of God in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives to the church its understanding of membership. One 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 as Lord are the visible signs of entrance into the active membership of the church.

• Persons may enter into active church membership in the Jesus Christ, or transfer of certificate from some other church, by profession of faith, or reaffirmation of faith. 

• A faithful member accepts Christ’s call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of his Church. Such involvement includes

a. proclaiming the good news,

b. taking part in the common life and worship of a particular church,

c. praying and studying Scripture and the faith of the Christian Church,

d. supporting the work of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents,

e. participating in the governing responsibilities of the church,

f. demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church,

g. responding to God’s activity in the world through service to others,

h. living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life,

i. working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment.

• Persons not members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are entitled to the following privileges:

a. All persons are welcome to participate in the life and worship of this church.

b. All baptized persons, whether children or adults, even though they have made no profession of their faith in Christ, are entitled to participation in the Lord’s Supper, to pastoral care and instruction of the church.

c. Confessing members of other Christian churches may participate in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and may present children for baptism.