Membership at Shepherd of the Hill
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP?
Are you interested in becoming a member of Shepherd of the Hill? To be a member of a church is to make a public promise to live according to the Word and to support the work of the congregation. In the Bible this is called a covenant. Membership means ministry and service, going from being a consumer to becoming a provider of God’s love and care to others.
Membership is important in that it enables you to serve in ways not available to non-members, such as: Teaching Sunday School classes; voting at congregational meetings, serving on committees, and being ordained and installed as Elders and Deacons.
We offer a "Journey to Membership" class when the need is present. In this class, you'll be introduced to the vision, mission, and core values of our church and the many diverse programs we offer. You'll meet our church leaders and learn about Presbyterian polity, stewardship and service opportunities. Those ready to join Shepherd of the Hill will meet with our Session Elders at this class to request membership. You will then be received into membership at a worship service in the following weeks. If you have not been previously baptized, you will be on the day you are received in worship.
The modes of reception of membership at Shepherd of the Hill:
Public Profession of Faith: For those examined by the session in the meaning and responsibilities of membership; if not already baptized, the person making the profession shall be baptized.
Certificate of Transfer: For those who are baptized and were in recent active membership at another church, and wish to transfer their membership to Shepherd of the Hill.
Reaffirmation of Faith: For persons previously baptized in the name of the triune God and having publicly professed their faith.
Our congregation welcomes all persons who trust in God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the fellowship and ministry of his Church. No person shall be denied membership for any reason not related to profession of faith. The Gospel leads members to extend the fellowship of Christ to all persons. Failure to do so constitutes a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the Gospel.
Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ’s mission. A faithful member bears witness to God’s love and grace and promises to be involved responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church. Such involvement includes:
-- proclaiming the good news in word and deed, taking part in the common life and worship of a congregation,
-- lifting one another up in prayer, mutual concern, and active support,
-- studying Scripture and the issues of Christian faith and life,
-- supporting the ministry of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents,
-- demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church,
-- responding to God’s activity in the world through service to others,
-- living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life,
-- working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment,
-- participating in the governing bodies of the church,
-- reviewing and evaluating regularly the integrity of one’s membership, and considering ways in which one’s participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful.
Are you interested in becoming a member of Shepherd of the Hill? To be a member of a church is to make a public promise to live according to the Word and to support the work of the congregation. In the Bible this is called a covenant. Membership means ministry and service, going from being a consumer to becoming a provider of God’s love and care to others.
Membership is important in that it enables you to serve in ways not available to non-members, such as: Teaching Sunday School classes; voting at congregational meetings, serving on committees, and being ordained and installed as Elders and Deacons.
We offer a "Journey to Membership" class when the need is present. In this class, you'll be introduced to the vision, mission, and core values of our church and the many diverse programs we offer. You'll meet our church leaders and learn about Presbyterian polity, stewardship and service opportunities. Those ready to join Shepherd of the Hill will meet with our Session Elders at this class to request membership. You will then be received into membership at a worship service in the following weeks. If you have not been previously baptized, you will be on the day you are received in worship.
The modes of reception of membership at Shepherd of the Hill:
Public Profession of Faith: For those examined by the session in the meaning and responsibilities of membership; if not already baptized, the person making the profession shall be baptized.
Certificate of Transfer: For those who are baptized and were in recent active membership at another church, and wish to transfer their membership to Shepherd of the Hill.
Reaffirmation of Faith: For persons previously baptized in the name of the triune God and having publicly professed their faith.
Our congregation welcomes all persons who trust in God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the fellowship and ministry of his Church. No person shall be denied membership for any reason not related to profession of faith. The Gospel leads members to extend the fellowship of Christ to all persons. Failure to do so constitutes a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the Gospel.
Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ’s mission. A faithful member bears witness to God’s love and grace and promises to be involved responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church. Such involvement includes:
-- proclaiming the good news in word and deed, taking part in the common life and worship of a congregation,
-- lifting one another up in prayer, mutual concern, and active support,
-- studying Scripture and the issues of Christian faith and life,
-- supporting the ministry of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents,
-- demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church,
-- responding to God’s activity in the world through service to others,
-- living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life,
-- working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment,
-- participating in the governing bodies of the church,
-- reviewing and evaluating regularly the integrity of one’s membership, and considering ways in which one’s participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful.
