There’s no pressure for visitors to become members. Feel free to visit with us as long as you like. Visitors can participate in just about all of our activities (except voting or holding an office). So take your time, get involved, and get to feel at home.
At some point, however, you may be ready to learn more about how to become an active member of our Christian family. If that’s where you are, then read on.
Getting Ready to Join
There are three things to do if you’re thinking about becoming a member of Holy Trinity:
Come to Worship
There’s no sense joining a church if you don’t come! Worship is the central part of our community, where we gather each week for spiritual nourishment and fellowship. It’s where the process begins.
Meet With The Pastor
Prospective members are encouraged to meet with the pastor for a personalized introduction to membership at Holy Trinity. There are usually three or four meetings covering such topics as:
- Scripture (the Bible)
- Worship structure and purpose
- The Catechism (The Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed)
- Information about Holy Trinity Church
- Information about our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Sometimes these sessions are held in small groups, sometimes one-on-one or with families. They can be held at the church or in people’s homes.
Meet Your Sponsor
New members are assigned a current member as their sponsor to help orient them to the congregation and its ministries. The sponsor may be someone you already know, or may be someone new to you.
Joining Our Family
There are three different ways to join the congregation. The one which applies to you will depend on your previous experience in the church of Jesus Christ.
Baptism
Persons who have not been baptized receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Persons may be baptized at any age. Children under 14 do not normally join the congregation alone, but join along with other family members.
Letter of Transfer
Persons who are active members of another Lutheran congregation may request a letter of transfer from their congregation. No formal ceremony is required, although we’ll probably welcome you formally as part of a service.
Affirmation of Faith
Baptized persons who are not currently members of another Lutheran congregation join through “Affirmation of Faith.” This is a brief ceremony during a worship service in which new members publicly affirm their Christian faith and are welcomed into our congregation.
What’s involved in an “Affirmation of Faith?”
In addition to a statement of faith in the Apostles’ Creed, the following is asked of persons presenting themselves for membership:
You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism:
- to live among God’s faithful people?
- to hear his Word and share in his supper?
- to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed?
- to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus?
- to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
What is expected of members?
New members are joyously welcomed into the church of Jesus Christ. We want them to join us in being dedicated followers of Christ and active in supporting His church. This includes:
- Worship regularly and receive Holy Communion
- Participate in at least one small group or ministry
- Keep your congregation and its leaders in your prayers
- Make financial gifts that are regular and proportionate
- Attend congregational meetings as a voting members
“Voting members” are confirmed members who have both received communion and made a contribution of record during the present or previous year. “Confirmed” means officially received into the congregation by one of the mechanisms discussed in Joining Our Family above.