How do I become a member?
Faith United Methodist Church invites into church membership any person who seeks to know and make known Jesus Christ.
As in any other congregation of the United Methodist Church, you may join our fellowship at Faith in any of the following ways:
1. By Transfer from Another Christian Church
This category is appropriate when you are on the active roll of another Christian church.
- If you are coming from another United Methodist church, we simply ask that you be loyal to the work of Christ at Faith Church.
- If you are coming from another Christian church or denomination, we accept the rich heritage of faith you bring with you to Faith. Therefore, you do not need to be re-baptized. We will simply ask you the final "membership vow" question listed below.
2. By Reaffirmation of Your Faith in Christ
This category is appropriate either...
- When you desire an opportunity to renew and/or refresh your commitment to Christ, or...
- When you have been inactive in your former church for a period of time.
In either case, we will lead you through a renewal of your membership vows (below). If desired, an
opportunity for you to renew your baptismal vows may be included.
3. By Profession of Your Faith in Jesus Christ
This category is appropriate either...
- When you have been previously baptized but have never actually joined a church. We ask you the vows of church membership (below).
- When you have neither joined a church nor been previously baptized. We baptize you in the body of Christ and ask you the vows of church membership (below).
4. Affiliate Membership and Associate Membership
For those who desire to retain their membership in another church outside of Bartow County Affiliate Membership (current United Methodists) and Associate Membership (current non-United Methodists) is also available.
New members can be received nearly every Sunday at the conclusion of our worship services.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU...
Members of Faith United Methodist Church pledge the following to our fellow members and our community:
- To help you to celebrate God's presence through sacred, dynamic, and inspiring worship.
- To help you better relate to other people through meaningful Christian fellowship.
- To provide you with opportunities for Christian growth and discipleship.
- To be here when you need us for guidance and/or help.
- To provide you with tangible opportunities to serve Christ and demonstrate Christian love.
WHEN YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MEMBER...
Please communicate this desire in one of the following ways:
- Contact the church office (by phone or e-mail) and ask to speak with the pastor.
- Indicate your desire to become a member on the weekly attendance sheets or the gray cards in the Sunday Welcome Folders (please leave a phone number).
- See the pastor after any worship service.
For further information about Faith UMC or about church membership, please contact Rev. Bruce Bunten at the church office.
THE VOWS OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
All new members and current members are asked to pledge the following:
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and pledge allegiance to His Kingdom?
--I DO.
Do you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Bible?
--I DO.
Do you promise according to the grace given to you to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ's holy Church?
--I DO.
Will you support the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your Prayers, your Presence, your Gifts, and your Service?
--I WILL.
WHAT IS ASKED OF ME?
Speak with Faith's pastor about your desire to become a member.
The pastor can help guide and direct you in your decision to become a member at Faith UMC, and to answer any questions you might have about Christianity, the United Methodist Church, and/or Faith Church.
Take any appropriate vows of church membership (Above).
Regularly practice the following four expressions of Christian faith through Faith United Methodist Church:
- PRAYERS Practice your faith through taking time to pray for yourself, others, and for your church. This fulfills God's call for us to become people of prayer to let prayer be the "breath of our spiritual lives."
- PRESENCE Practice your faith through your regular presence, attendance, and participation...
(#1) in our church's worship services (8:45 AM or 11:00 AM) AND...
(#2) in at least ONE small group
(such as a Sunday School class, Bible Study group, music group, etc.).
These fulfill God's call for us to grow through fellowship and partnership with our fellow Christians.
- GIFTS Practice your faith through regular financial giving. This fulfills God's call for us to grow in our spiritual lives through the stewardship of our financial lives.
- SERVICE Practice your faith by becoming involved in at least ONE servant ministry (any mission or outreach ministry focused on helping others) sponsored by or in partnership with our church. This fulfills God's call for us to not only receive ministry, but to give it away to others, as well
We believe that consistent practice of these four expressions of our Christianity in and through our church is expected of each and every member, not only to feel "connected" with other Christians, but also to enable us to grow in our faith journey with Jesus Christ.
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