How do I become a member of the Leland Community United Methodist Church?

Our understanding of what it means to be a member is deeply rooted in our Methodist heritage. John Wesley was clear that Christianity is a social religion, and that our growth in holiness of heart and life is deeply dependent on being in community with each other and watching over one another in love. It is in the context of these face-to-face relationships that we experience what it means to be the body of Christ in the world.

For United Methodists, membership means first and foremost active participation in a local congregation. The vows of professing membership include to faithfully participate in the life of the local congregation through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. A person becomes a member of the United Methodist Church when they have been baptized and publicly profess their faith, affirming their faith in God and their desire to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. They commit to a life of service in and through the local congregation.

• If you have never been baptized, our pastor will help you prepare for baptism.
• If you were baptized as an infant or young child and have not made a profession of faith and been confirmed, then you will prepare to reaffirm your baptismal vows when you take the membership vows.
• If you are a member of another denomination, you can transfer your membership from that church to the Leland Community United Methodist Church.
• If you are a member of another Christian church that does not transfer membership, you can make a profession of faith and be received as a new member in the Leland Community UMC.

Talk with our pastor about becoming a member. He will be able to answer your questions and help you discern what next steps to take. We offer regular classes for prospective new members and are excited about growing our church and ministry to the community.