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Becoming a Member in Other Denominations

Learn about the diverse paths to church membership in different denominations through interviews with clergy and investigations. From altar calls to catechisms, explore the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of becoming a member. Understand the varying practices, whether it's an eight-week course or meeting with church elders, and the challenges faced by both church leaders and prospective members. Gain insights on the importance of education and commitment in maintaining a strong faith community. Discover the pros and cons of different approaches to membership training. Join us in exploring the intricate journey of joining a church family.

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Becoming a Member in Other Denominations

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  1. Becoming a Member in Other Denominations The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

  2. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly • A realistic title • A dangerous title • Interviewed twenty-two different clergy from other denominations • Investigated online

  3. Baptist • Three ways to become a member: Altar Call/Baptism, Letter, Statement • Practice varies considerably • Local churches have at most one face to face with pastor before being received • Larger churches have more organized classes/orientation (3-6 weeks, often led by members) • Small group Bible Study churches have discipleship courses – but not required

  4. Reformed • Practice varies greatly • Local church has eight week course on Bible basics • They then meet with the church elders, sign a membership covenant and are receive publicly in worship

  5. Presbyterian • Practices vary considerably (especially between conservative and liberal churches) • Local pastor has the goal of meeting four times (rarely is able to) to cover essentials of Christian faith and little Church History • Children have a six week confirmation course • They are supposed to meet with the session (the governing board) to be examined, but rarely happens

  6. Episcopal • Inquirers Class (both priest and lay led) • Each priest puts together his/her own curriculum • Local priest has six classes covering the Sacraments, Creeds and Apostolic Succession • Catechism in Prayer Book • Bishop conducts confirmation rite and laying on of hands

  7. Methodist • Profession of faith (ecumenical creeds, acceptance of Jesus) and the five vows (prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness) • Practice varies considerably • Prospects with background in other Christian churches usually meet with the pastor once to talk about differences and to make sure they understand the vows. • Prospects with no background in Christianity are often given a 3-10 week course similar to their children’s catechism which is usually about 10 weeks long. • Some controversy in recent years as to what constitutes membership (baptized vs. professing members)

  8. Pentecostal • Must have accepted Christ and been baptized by water and the Spirit • Practices vary greatly • Usually expected to attend faithfully for a period of time (more than a year) • No formal classes or orientation • Agree to bylaws of congregation • “Have proved themselves worthy” (two years of faithful attendance and tithing)

  9. Church of Christ • Lots of variety • They have no formal training for their preaching pastors • Local pastor meets with prospects four times (to explain authentic Christianity, the corruption of denominations and how we are not saved by faith alone)

  10. Roman Catholic • RICA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults) • Curriculum varies according to the priest (though much more structured than other denominations) • A couple months to a year (mostly lay led) • What it means to be a Catholic and the Sacraments • Culminates in Baptism at Easter Vigil (if not baptized), followed by confirmation

  11. Orthodox • Varies somewhat • Regular attendance (usually a year) • Reading assignments and asking questions • Six weeks of catechesis • Formal letter to bishop, followed by chrysmos, baptism and anointing

  12. Lutherans (ELCA, LCMC, NALC) • Most have one sit down with pastor to discuss what it means to be a Lutheran and a brief orientation • Local LCMC church gives every new member a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism and Tom Rainer’s book I’m a Church Member

  13. Lutheran (LCMS) • Practice varies much like in WELS • Both pastors I spoke with had 12 lesson BIC classes • Both lamented the fact it was hard to get people to commit and find time to meet • The more liberal of the two gave up • Uses God Connects – 12 week on-line course provided by Lutheran Hour Ministries

  14. Observations • As in the days of the Judges… • Evaluate. It would be helpful for our synod/seminary to offer guidelines as to what should be included in membership classes to encourage uniformity in practice.

  15. Observations • Most lament the fact they don’t do more… Blame people not being willing to commit to studying. • The majority of Christians are woefully undereducated as to what their churches teach and what the Bible says. • A 2008 survey: 44% left the faith of their childhood or switched denominations. • Who is to blame? Explain your answer.

  16. Observations • A couple of churches used a “probationary” period of attendance in place of formal studies. • What are the pros and cons of such an approach? • A handful of churches used self-directed courses, online classes or videos. • What are the pros and cons of such an approach?

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