Membership Process

Membership

Sometimes in churches membership isn’t particularly important or meaningful. In our parish, we encourage membership because we believe that it fosters Christian discipleship. Our members agree to live according to a membership covenant, and reaffirm their commitment to this covenant on an annual basis. For further reading, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions on Membership.

Step One: Newcomers’ Dinner

Our membership process begins with a monthly dinner for newcomers to the church in the home of one of our pastors. We strive to make these family-friendly times, and welcome everyone to come enjoy a meal together and learn more about the church. It’s very low-key and informal. 

Step Two: Essentials Course

Our quarterly Essentials Course is designed to serve as a next step in the membership process. During this course, we take an in-depth look at five components: the Gospel, Worship, Discipleship, Community and Mission.

Step Three: Pastoral Meeting

It is important to our clergy that they know the members of the church. The pastoral meeting gives you an opportunity to articulate your faith story in a more conversational setting, one-on-one with one of the pastors of the church. It is also gives you a chance to ask any additional questions you might have. Hopefully through this meeting you will learn places of need in our parish–opportunities for you to serve and give and grow. Hearing what God is doing in your life will be a great encouragement to our clergy!

Step Four: Baptism

The sacrament of baptism is a sign and seal of God’s covenant with his people, and signifies one’s initiation into the Christian community. For those who haven’t experienced Christian baptism, we offer this sacrament to believers and their children. Let us know if you would like to be baptized, and we will gladly walk you through the process. Christian baptism is required of all who choose to become members of our church, and of all who partake of Holy Communion.

Step Five: Membership Covenant

Baptized Christians who have completed the pastoral meeting are invited to sign the church membership covenant. Most people do so within their church small group, since it gives opportunity to share with one’s immediate community and ask for their prayer in keeping the covenant. For those who aren’t yet in a church small group, we encourage signing the covenant with other close friends from the church who agree to provide accountability and support through prayer.

What about Transferring Membership from Another Church?

If you were previously a member of another church, make sure to tell one of our pastors during your pastoral meeting. We always make an effort to follow up with your former church in order to provide continuity of pastoral care. Particularly if you come to our church from other orthodox churches in the area, we want to know why and have an opportunity to discuss this with you and with someone in leadership at your former church.