Membership at Village
We cannot be the church alone.
We value deep relationships. We care deeply for one another. We value our neighbors—including those of different faith traditions, lived experiences, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and sexual orientation. We ask questions and leave room for doubt as we seek to grow in our relationship with Jesus and one another. We strive to put our faith into action. We do that by belonging to one another.
Why become a member?
COMMUNITY. When Jesus sent His followers out into the world, he didn’t tell them to seek to private spiritual lives. They were to create communities where people shared a common way of life, appointed leaders, worshiped together, and bore one another’s burdens. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively seek out opportunities to mentor, guide, and connect with those around us.
COMMITMENT. The Bible doesn’t mandate any specific process for formalizing someone’s belonging to a church or a denomination. But it is beneficial to leaders and congregants to turn the belonging that people seek in a church family into a more lasting commitment to one another.
Membership validates this new relationship, clarifies expectations, and encourages participation. It is also a way of making visible what is often unseen in our individualistic culture—following Jesus means committing to God’s people. Making statements in front of Session may seem formal, but words matter. Committing oneself to a real and imperfect community is taking Jesus’ command to “love one another” seriously.
RESPONSIBILITY. Membership at a gym or big-box store gets you privileges; you pay dues, you get perks. But church membership is different. There are no monthly fees or dues. There is no “platinum level” membership. There are unwritten responsibilities. But those responsibilities—such as welcoming others, worshiping wholeheartedly, serving our neighbors—go hand-in-hand with joy, growth, and lifelong faith formation.
AFFIRMATION. Because we belong to God, we belong to God’s church. We also belong to real communities with real needs, brokenness, and joy. Membership here is an official way of saying to your fellow church family, “I will follow Jesus with you. I claim this community as my own, with all its faults and gifts.” And it is Village Church’s way of saying, “We see you. We affirm your faith journey and will help you follow Jesus. We claim you as a beloved child of God with all your strengths and weaknesses.” We want to do life together as your chosen family.
FAQs
Must I be baptized to become a member?
Yes. This sacrament is required for membership into the Presbyterian Church (USA) family of faith. We practice both adult and infant baptism. We baptize adults upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (an ”affirmation of faith“). Learn more about how you can be baptized at Village.
Is tithing/giving required of members?
While neither tithing (giving 10% of your income) nor giving are required of members, as Presbyterians, we see giving as a spiritual discipline. In worship, we respond to God’s unfailing and unmerited grace with a time of offering. Scripture teaches us that generosity and giving are elements of discipleship—a way to express gratitude.
Can memberships be transferred from other Christian churches?
Yes!
Are there classes where I can learn more about the church or being Presbyterian?
Yes! At both campuses, we periodically offer New Member classes or lunches. See xxx for our next upcoming date.
Hold old does one need to be before becoming a church member?
We consider all individuals contributing parts of our church family, but the membership process typically begins in 9th grade (approximately age 14-15) with confirmation classes. When the classes are complete, each person may choose to join the church as a member by offering an Affirmation of Faith.
I’m a member. Now what?
Many people serve, give, and share in community before becoming a member. In that case, your life in the church may feel unchanged after membership. For others, membership marks a fresh commitment to this community.
Regardless, members are encouraged to discern (paying attention to your spiritual gifts, personality, season of life, etc.) how best to devote yourself to the church. We hope that you worship, serve, give, attend gatherings, and do other things that are part of the Christian life. We also encourage you to attend annual meetings and use your voice for other matters as needed.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:20
Categories of Membership
Member types in the Presbyterian Church (USA) include: baptized members, active members, and affiliate members.
Baptized Member
A person who has received the Sacrament of Baptism, in this congregation or elsewhere, and who has enrolled as a baptized member by the Session—but has not made a profession of faith.
Active Member
A person who has made a profession of faith in Christ, has been baptized, has been receieved into membership of the church, has voluntarily submitted to the church’s government, and participates in the church’s work and worship.
Affiliate Member
A member of another Presbyterian congregation or Christian body/denomination who has temporarily moved from that community, has presented a certificate of good standing from that congregation, and has been received by the Session as an affiliate member. Affiliate members may participate in the life of the church but may not vote in congregational meetings or be elected to ministry or other offices in the congregation.
Confirmation Classes
Learn more about Confirmation for your student (9th grade or older). Participating in Confirmation class is how a young person would confirm their willingness to become a member.
Interested in becoming a member?
