How to Become a Member

Southminster Presbyterian is an open community church. Visitors and non-member friends are welcome to attend and participate in the worship services and programs of the church for as long and as often as they wish. For most people, however, there comes a time when they wish to make the commitment to become a full member of the congregation, and to do so is an easy process.


There are three ways in which an individual can officially join. For each option, the individual wishing to join must introduce themselves to the elders and share their faith journey.

  • Profession of Faith and Baptism (for those who have never been baptized),
  • Reaffirmation of Faith (for those who are not currently active members of another Christian church),
  • Transfer of Church Letter (for those on the active rolls of another church, either in this area or elsewhere in the United States).

Regardless of the method of joining, it is the Session of the church, not the congregation that conducts and oversees the process.  Anyone wanting additional information about church membership, or who wants to start the process of becoming a member of Southminster Presbyterian Church, is invited to contact the church office and speak to the pastor.



Joining by Profession of Faith

When a person who has never been baptized wishes to unite with Southminster Presbyterian Church, he or she is received by Profession of Faith. in a meeting of the session, the governing body of the local church, the person is asked three questions: 

  1. Do you recognize that you cannot earn your way into heaven, that you're a sinner and need God's grace?
  2. Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?
  3. With God's help, will you be a good and faithful member of this church?

After giving an affirmative answer to each of these questions, a motion is made and seconded to receive the person into full, active membership, pending baptism. The date for their baptism is then set (as soon as the following Sunday).  Baptism in the Presbyterian Church always takes place during a regular worship service of the congregation.  One reason for this is that all the members of the church promise to nurture the new believer in the faith and help him/her to learn about Jesus Christ.

Joining by Reaffirmation of Faith

When a person who has been but is not currently a member of a Christian church - or a person who belongs to a church that does not wish to transfer letters - wants to unite with Southminster Church, he or she is received by Reaffirmation of Faith.  In a meeting of the session, the person is asked the membership questions listed in Joining by Profession of Faith.  After giving an affirmative answer to each of these three questions, a motion is made and seconded to receive the person into full, active membership of Southminster Presbyterian Church. 

Joining by Transfer of Church Letter

When a person who is currently a member of another Christian church wishes to join with Southminster, he or she is received by Transfer of Church letter. During a session meeting, the person states the name and location of the church where the person is currently a member. Then, a motion is made and seconded to receive the person into the full active membership of Southminster Presbyterian Church. The clerk of session contacts the individual's former church to notify it of your desire and the necessary paperwork is exchanged. Transfer of membership is done between Presbyterian churches and some others.