Considering Membership
We are delighted that you have discovered First United
Methodist and hope that you are ready to consider being a
member of our church.
The following questions are among the more common ones
asked by persons who are already members of another
congregation when they are considering becoming members of
our congregation.
How do I become a member of First
United Methodist if my membership is in some other United
Methodist Church?
Our procedure is simple, yet important. We ask that
you come forward at the close of one of our Sunday
morning worship services and indicate your willingness
to renew your vows of church membership. Although we
assume that your commitment to Christ first made when
you were baptized or confirmed is still central in your
life, we ask that you publicly reaffirm this commitment
before the Irving First congregation.
How do I transfer from a church in
another Christian denomination?
The answer given above applies for this question as
well. We recognize your previous faith commitment and
church membership vows, but we feel it is helpful for
those uniting with our church to reaffirm before our
people their commitment to faithfulness to Christ and
his church.
Do I have to be baptized again?
No, we recognize the baptism you have already
received in your former church. Baptism (and the faith
in Christ to which it witnesses) is required for
membership, but the act of baptism does not have to be
done by one of our ministers or in our congregation. We
have an additional brochure explaining baptism and our
practice regarding it.
Do I need to notify my former church?
No, our church office will take care of that if you
furnish us the address.
Can I have my membership transferred
without coming forward in the service?
We ask that you come forward so that our people will
have the chance to know your name and that they will
know you are making the covenant of membership with
them. It is important that our commitments be open and
public.
What if I might move soon? Should I
transfer to First United Methodist?
Yes, go ahead and become a member where you live even
if you may not live there long. It does not cost
anything to transfer your membership again if you move.
Shouldn't I just leave my membership in
the church where I used to live?
No, your membership should be where you attend. It is
of no advantage to your home church to have your
membership on the rolls there unless you are active.
What is important is that you identify with the people
of God where you live and worship. They are the ones who
need and expect your commitment. It may be hard to move
membership from your home church because of family ties,
but it is important to belong where you are active.
How can I join First United Methodist?
In most services there is an invitation at the close
of the service to unite with the church. If you are
ready to join our church, call one of the pastors and
let them know you are ready. This will also give you the
opportunity of asking any questions you have about the
church. We look forward to having your share with us in
our worship and ministry.
The church phone number is 972-253-3531. The church
receptionist can forward you to a church pastor.
Should family members who are not ready
to join come forward with me when I join?
We would welcome your family members to come with
you. Certainly children of a family may come even though
they are too young to make the commitment themselves, or
even if they are old enough, but not ready to become
members.
What questions will I be asked to
answer?
The following questions are asked to allow you to
publicly affirm your faith and your desire to become a
faithful member of First United Methodist:
-
Do you here in the
presence of God and this congregation renew your
vows made at your baptism?
-
Do you confess your
faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
-
Do you receive and
profess the Christian faith as contained in the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
-
Do you promise, by
the grace given you through the Holy Spirit, to live
a Christian life, and remain a faithful member of
Christ's holy church?
-
Will you be a
faithful member of this congregation and uphold it
by your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your
service?
Links and
Information to Help With Your Decision
Church Mailing
Address: 211 West Third St,. Irving, TX 75061
Phone:
972-253-3531 Fax: 972-254-2498
Office Hours:
8:30 - 5:00 Monday through Friday
|
First United Methodist Church, Irving,
Texas |