Church membership allows us to work together and confess together.  The Holy Scriptures implore us to seek unity together in faith, that we might be "fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19)."  We are not to walk the path of faith alone.  We are meant to sharpen each other, encourage each other, support each other and pray with each other.  You will be blessed by being a part of a Christian household of faith.  Please contact our pastor if you are interested in becoming a member here.

 

Being a church member is not always easy.  There are people to get to know, rules to follow, commitments to make.  Lots of people would rather not bother with such things.  But the truth of the matter is, we will be blessed by our participation.  And, honestly, as a Christian, we really have no choice.  It is our calling.

 

Those who are members of St. Paul's are allowed to vote in congregational decisions and be elected to an office.  Becoming a member is a good way for you to show your public confession of Christ, as well as your commitment of encouragement and support for the ministries, teachings and people of St. Paul's.  Maintaining active membership in the church signals that you are prepared to receive communion at the Lord's Altar.

 

Baptism is the first requirement for membership at St. Paul's.  Baptism makes one a Christian and a member of the church (Gal. 3:27, Ephesians 2:4-6).  Trinitarian baptisms done in other Christian congregations are recognized by St. Paul's.  For information about receiving Holy Baptism, please see the pastor.

 

Confirmation is also a requirement for membership here.  Confirmation classes for adults ("Bible Basics and Lutheran Teaching") are held at different times throughout the year. Confirmation instruction for youth is a two-year program that normally begins at 7th grade. Children of member parents will be seen as members, but not "confirmed members" until they have completed confirmation instruction.  For more information about confirmation classes, please see the pastor.

 

A Statement of Intention to Join as a Member can be obtained from the church office.

 

An appointment with the pastor should be made at some point during the membership process in order to become properly welcomed and informed.

Reception into Membership is the time when new members are publically received and welcomed into the congregation.  These are held  periodically throughout the year on Sunday mornings.  They also serve as a Rite of Adult Confirmation.  New members will come forward at a designated service time and respond to the following questions:

 

Do you confess the Christian faith as drawn from the Holy Scriptures 

and as confessed in the Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian Creeds to be 

your faith?

 

Do you accept and confess that the teachings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are faithful and true to the Word of God?

 

As a member of this congregation, do you intend to continue in the confession of the Church, attend worship faithfully, make diligent use of the means of grace, and lead a righteous and godly life?

 

Will you support the work our gracious Lord has given this congregation with your prayers, time, treasure and talent?