Membership

WHY JOIN A CHURCH?

Joining a church says to the public you are a Christian, that you are a member of God’s own people, who are called ” a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), and that you believe and act as a witness to the Christian faith. It also means that you are doing what the very first Christians did in joining together to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42). It means that you will be able to receive encouragement, strength, prayers, baptism, the Lord’s Supper and the application of God’s Word from fellow Christians and a pastor.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONGREGATION

The purpose of this congregation shall be to give honor and glory to the Triune God, to carry out His will, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world, to manifest the unity of our faith in Jesus Christ as God and Savior, to foster Christian fellowship and love, to extend a helping hand to human need, and to achieve its objectives by the preaching of the Word of God, by the administration of the sacraments, and by the religious instruction of all its members according to the confessional standard of the evangelical Lutheran Church.

THE MISSION

The mission of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people through Word and Sacraments in worship, Christian education, caring and serving ministries.

MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Members of this congregation shall conform their entire lives to the authority of God's Word and to that end shall make diligent use of the means of grace, exercise faithful stewardship of God's many gifts and talents, impart and accept fraternal admonition as the need of such admonition becomes apparent, and be readily available for service in the kingdom of Christ within and beyond the congregation. Membership in organizations whose principles and conduct conflict with the Word of God is prohibited.

HOW DO I JOIN ST JOHN’S?

Baptized members are received through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism or through the consent of one or both parents in the case of children who have been baptized in another Christian congregation.

Adult members are received through the rite of confirmation and Sacrament of Holy Baptism as appropriate, through transfer from a sister congregation, or through profession of faith or reaffirmation of faith.

Individuals interested in church membership should contact the Church Office.  A brief visit between a pastor and those desiring to join will determine the best route toward membership.  Depending upon previous faith background, individuals may need to take a short course on Lutheran-Christianity and it’s teachings before membership.  These classes are offered a few times each year.

New Member Class

The next new member classes have not yet been scheduled. Please watch the bulletin for details.