Membership In The United Methodist Church
"Faithful discipleship includes the obligation to participate in the corporate life of the congregation with fellow members of the body of Christ. A member is bound in sacred covenant to shoulder the burdens, share the risks, and celebrate the joys of fellow members. A Christian is called to speak the truth in love, always ready to confront conflict in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation." (paragraph 218, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)
"Each member of Christ United Methodist Church is to be a servant of Christ. This servanthood is to be performed in family life, daily work, recreation and social activities, responsible citizenship, the stewardship of property and accumulated resources, the issues of corporate life, and all attitudes toward other persons." (paragraph 219, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)
The Membership Covenant of Christ United Methodist Church
1. I receive and profess the Christian Faith as it is contained in the Old and New Testaments as summarized in the "The Apostles Creed," which follows: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life. *catholic means universal
2. I renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and I repent of my sin.
3. I accept the freedom and power God gives me to resist evil, injustice, and oppression, in whatever form they may present themselves.
4. I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I put my whole trust in his grace, and I promise to serve Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races.
5. I promise that, wherever I live, I will always be a member of Christ's holy church and I will serve as one of Christ's representatives in the world.
6. In order to grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ, I will faithfully participate in the ministries of Christ United Methodist Church with my prayers, my presence, my gifts, and my service.
Your Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________________
As a representative of the membership of Christ United Methodist Church, we welcome you in Christian love, and vow to so order the life of Christ Church that our witness will establish you in faith. We promise to love and care for you, and do all in our power to increase your faith, confirm your hope, and perfect you in love.
Signature of Lay Leader: _________________________ Date: ________________