Join Opp First UMC

Membership is open to anyone who has made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As you visit our church, we pray that you will consider all the benefits and privileges of membership to a local community of believers. Our prayer is that you will join us in our commitment to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  

 

Why Join?
At First UMC, we recognize the need for formal membership. We believe formal membership in a local church is important for four reasons.

 

1. Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church. Ephesians 5:25 states, “Christ loved the church, and gave His life for her.” Membership in a local church is an important step in demonstrating our commitment to Christ.

2. Cultural Reason: We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything…a job, a marriage, or family. This attitude has produced a generation of church hoppers and shoppers. Membership swims against the current of America’s consumer mentality and is an antidote to society. Membership sets us apart from the culture allowing us to preserve our distinctive Christian beliefs and values.
 

3. Practical Reason: Membership identifies our community and family.  It defines who can be entrusted with positions of leadership within the church.
 

4. Personal Reason: Membership produces spiritual growth. The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth.  A person cannot be accountable when they are not committed to any specific church family. 

 

How to Join
At each of our worship services, we give you the opportunity to join the First UMC Family. Following the pastor's message, he will extend an invitation to those seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and/or to those seeking membership in the First UMC family.

 

Ways to Join
Commit Your Life to Jesus Christ by Profession of Faith
This means that  you have received or want to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior.  If you have never received Jesus as Savior and Lord and/or never publicly confessed Him, you will be given an opportunity to do so. After your decision has been confirmed, an appointment with the pastor will be made for your baptism at First UMC.

 

By Baptism
If you are joining First UMC as a new Christian you will choose to be baptized.  Baptism is an identification with Christ's burial and Resurrection, illustrates new life as a Believer, and is a step of obedience in your spiritual walk with Christ.  It's important to remember that Baptism doesn't make you a Believer, rather it indicates that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, your faith in Christ does that. Someone once said that "Baptism is like a wedding ring, it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart."

 

Transfer Membership from Another Church
If you're currently a member of another United Methodist Church or another denomination, and have previously received Jesus Christ as Savior and been baptized, you can transfer your membership to First UMC during the invitation at the end of our worship services.

 

What About Children?
Children are special at First UMC!  When your children are ready to make a "decision" for Christ, we ask that you contact the pastor. Then, as parents you will be instructed concerning the next step based upon your child's age, experience and need.