HOW DO YOU JOIN THIS CHURCH?

           

Plaza is a family fellowship seeking to know, love and glorify God; and to be used by Him to make disciples for Jesus Christ. We join together in Christian love to be a local and visible expression of the Body of Christ, with Him as our Head. We are a connectional church, which means, we are connected to every other United Methodist Church in the world. Our mission is to lift Godward our brothers and sisters within our community by taking an active role in the affairs of the community.

            If you have perhaps, wondered how you could become a part of this fellowship; we provide the following information to assist you in your decision. As you read this passage, we invite you to prayerfully ask; “Dear Father, do you want me to become a member of  Plaza  United Methodist Church?”

 

WHAT WAYS ARE MEMBERS RECEIVED?

 

1.         By profession of your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, requesting Christian Baptism. As Methodists, we believe in three methods of Baptism: Sprinkling, Pouring, and Immersion. We believe that it is not the amount of water, but the condition of the heart. The water is only a public showing of what is happening on the inside. If you have just become a Christian, you need to understand that one of the first things Christ asks you to do is to follow Him in Baptism and Church membership. Once you have received Baptism, and completed probation classes, you will be taken into full membership.

 

2.         By letter from another United Methodist Church, A.M.E. Zion Church, A.M.E. Church, or  CME Church. You need only come forward, requesting that we write your former church, stating that you have come by letter into our church. They will in turn send us a letter confirming that you have been a member there. Once we receive that letter, and you have had several orientation sessions with the pastor, you are taken into full membership.

 

3.         By Christian Experience or by statement. If you were a member of any Christian Church, and you have not actively participated in that Church for awhile, and now you have been led by the Holy Spirit to be an active participant in the Christian Faith; you may come forward and express that you know the Lord as your personal Savior, and have been baptized and want to become active again in God’s Church. After probation you will be taken into full membership.

 

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW TO JOIN?

 

            An invitation to come forward receiving Christ and/or requesting membership is given at the close of most public worship services in our Church. At the close of the sermon, while the minister stands at the front of the altar, a hymn of

invitation will be sung. During the singing of the hymn, you may come forward and tell the minister, who will greet you, that you want to join the Church. You will be asked questions by the minister about your desire as a new Christian and/or Church member. Following this conversation, you will be ask to schedule a appointment with the Pastor. After a probation period, you will be received into full membership.

            Why probation? This is a time for you to get to know us, and the Church family to know you. The Church will seek to continually minister to you through its programs of development and care. There will also be times for you to minister to others.

            We hope some of your questions concerning  membership have been answered. Please feel free to call the Pastor for any further information. We will be happy to talk to you at any time on this very important matter in God’s Kingdom.

            You can make known your desire to commit yourself to the Lord by coming forward when the invitation to membership is extended. You have the promise of the Lord, “Him that cometh unto me, I will no wise cast out.” (John 6:37). Jesus will receive you, and so will we.