How to Join Columbia Presbyterian Church

Visitors and friends of the church are welcome to participate in the worship services and church programs as often and as long as they wish. For most people, however, there comes a time when they wish to make the commitment to join the church. Doing so is a relatively easy process.

Believing that most people want to know something about the church they are joining, we hold Inquirer classes from time to time. These are held during Sunday school for four to five Sundays. You also may speak to the pastor about joining the church.

Depending on previous church affiliations and experience, a person may join our church by:

• Confession of Faith and Baptism: People who have not made a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ may do so and be baptized to become a member of our church. Presbyterian churches accept and can practice baptism by three methods.
  
  
  • Sprinkling: Water dipped from our font by the minister's hand is placed on the head of the person being baptized. This is often done in the sanctuary during a Sunday worship service.
  • Pouring: Water is poured from a pitcher on to the person's head; again, usually done during a Sunday worship service.
  • Immersion: A person's body is immersed in a large body of water (indoors or outdoors).
  
  Presbyterians believe the Sacrament of Baptism should be done during worship service or in the presence of a representative group of the church. A person may choose the method of baptism in consultation with our pastor. Presbyterians believe baptism is for all members of the faith community. Therefore, infants and children may receive this sacrament as well as adults.

• Transfer of Membership: A person who is a member of another church may join Columbia Presbyterian by transferring their membership to ours. The former church is notified of transfer and appropriate forms are sent from one church to the other. Membership transfers may be done among Presbyterian churches and some other denominations. However, a reaffirmation of faith may be advised.

• Reaffirmation of Faith: A person states she/he has made a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ in another church and was baptized but is unable to present proof. Reasons include the previous church no longer exists, does not transfer memberships or no longer has a record of the person's membership.

• Affiliate Membership: This is a conditional membership that allows a person to continue as a member of his or her church and make a commitment to our church. An affiliate membership is for two years, but it can be extended. Some who find this membership attractive are students, military personnel, and temporary workers.

Anyone wanting additional information about church membership at Columbia Presbyterian is invited to contact the pastor or speak to an elder.