What are the ways that a person can join the church?

There are a number of ways to join the church, depending on your background.

• Baptism and Profession of Faith: this is for people becoming Christians and entering a church for the first time.
• Profession of Faith: this is for baptized persons who have never united with a church as a member.
• Reaffirmation of Faith: this is for church members of any church who have become inactive in their former church and wish to become active members of Concord Presbyterian Church.
• Letter of Transfer: this is for members of Presbyterian (or similar) churches who are currently active and wish to switch their active status to Concord Church.

Concord Church periodically holds Seeker/New Member classes to give those interested in joining (and others interested in learning more about the church) an introduction to Christian discipleship and our congregation.

Seeker/New Member classes include the following topics: 

• An introduction the Christian faith and plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions
• A brief history of this congregation
• An introduction to our church’s governance and programs
• Time to talk with the pastor

How do I join? 

• Let the pastors or an elder (or anyone!) know that you would like to become a member.
• We offer New member/ seeker classes a few times a year. It is a chance for you to ask questions and learn more about life at Concord.
• We’ll pair you with a member of the church. We call them shepherds. It’s someone you can talk to, ask questions of, and learn more from their perspective.
• Near the end of the class, new members and their shepherds will meet with the church’s officers (the Session) to get to know one another.
• At a service of worship new members will be introduced to the congregation and given opportunity to acknowledge their Christian faith and be welcomed into the church family.

Why join?

While Concord certainly welcomes regular attendees, there are several very important reasons to join as a member, First, it can be a very holy and spiritual experience in which you and the congregation make a commitment to each other.  It’s very meaningful for the congregation to officially accept someone new into the family, and it’s usually meaningful for the individual to be the recipient of this acceptance and affirmation. Secondly, you will come under the pastoral care of this church.  You will receive our newsletters and communications, and part of our commitment to you is that we will do everything possible to support you in your time of emotional or spiritual need. And third, joining is simply that important “rite of passage” that signifies your entrance into our church, a joyful time of community.

Am I expected or pressured to join after attending for a certain length of time?

No.  One of our pastors might bring up the question, but there will be no pressure whatsoever.

Are members expected to give to the church?

Yes.  Giving takes many forms. Financially, Concord Church, its programs, staff and mission work, are supported solely by our membership.  Your regular financial support as a member is crucial to the church, as well as being a very biblical way of showing your commitment to Christ and His Church. Concord Church has a long-standing commitment of dedicating almost one-tenth of its budget to local and global mission to help others.

Giving of your time and talents is also important to the church. Becoming involved in the youth, adult, mission, outreach, music, and/or other programs of the church puts one’s faith into practice in the real world – an opportunity for rewarding service.

Any other questions?

We’re happy to answer them to the best of our ability.  Just contact the church office.