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Membership at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
How Do I become a Member?
Adult Information Class
What does Membership Mean?
Membership Registration Form
Membership Covenant
Shared Ministry - Finding Your SHAPE
How Do I Become a Member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church?
If you are interested in becoming a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, we invite you to attend our Adult Information Class taught by Pastor Langewisch. This eight-unit course provides an overview of Lutheran teachings as outlined in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. The Adult Information Class will give you a basic overview of the teaching of the Lutheran church so that you can decide if you would like to join this fellowship of believers. If you agree with the teachings of the church and would like to become a member, you may join in one of the following ways.
| You may be BAPTIZED if you have not already been baptized in a Christian church. |
| You may be CONFIRMED. Confirmation occurs after instruction in the teachings of the faith, which is offered in the Adult Information Class. Confirmation is the profession of faith confirming your trust in the work that was begun in you at your baptism by the Holy Spirit. You are stating that you believe in Jesus Christ, the scriptures and the teachings of this church body when you are confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. |
| You may join by RE-AFFIRMATION OF FAITH. Re-affirmation of faith is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in another Lutheran church body, or those confirmed in this church body but have been away for a while and now what to join this community of faith. |
| You may TRANSFER from another Missouri Synod Lutheran congregation. Please call the office of the church at which you are currently a member and ask them to send transfer papers to Bethlehem. We will notify you when we receive your transfer. You are asked to participate in the Adult Information Class. It is a good opportunity to meet the Pastors and review the teachings of the church. |
Adult Information Class
Please call the church office for times and dates of our next class and to register.
Considering Membership
After completion of this class, you may become a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. There are some questions that you should give serious consideration to as you consider becoming a member of Bethlehem.
- Do you believe that you are a sinner in need of a Savior? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is that Savior?
- Do you agree with the teachings of this church given by God in Scripture and described in Luther’s Small Catechism?
- Are you ready to become involved in the life of this congregation through regular worship and Bible study?
- Do you believe Bethlehem is the place for you respond to Christ’s love for you, through giving of your time, talents and treasures?
Class Attendance
Attendance or listening to a tape of each of the 8 units is necessary for membership. You may make up the missed class(es) by listening to a CD or audio tape of the class.
What Does Church Membership Mean?
Church membership is voluntary. No one can be forced to join. For many people, church membership is like belonging to a club, society or organization. You can be deeply involved or not, so long as your name is on the roster and you pay your dues.
But the Church is more than an organization –it is the Body of Christ. Membership in the Church means to be part of God’s mission, Christ’s continuing work on earth. This involves personal commitment and active response. It enriches one’s life while it make demands.
MEMBERSHIP MEANS ATTENDING CHURCH REGULARLY
Worship is a precious privilege for the church member. We need to praise God! We need the spiritual food of his presence in Word and Sacrament. Church membership means regular church attendance and worship.
MEMBERSHIP MEANS REMEMBERING YOUR BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is the way God adopts us as his children. Through baptism, the church member can come to God with the burden of daily sin knowing that God will forgive. To remember your Baptism is to be strengthened and renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit.
MEMBERSIP MEANS RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
The Lord’s Supper is a priceless gift from God. It assures the penitent sinner of diving forgiveness. It strengthens the believer’s faith. It offers us communion with our Lord through his Body and Blood, and unites us with our fellow Christians in the joyous celebration of his presence.
MEMBERSHIP MEANS SUPPORTING THE CHURCH
All people are stewards of the resources God has given us. We own nothing. We owe everything. Love for God and thankfulness for his blessings prompts the church member to regular, cheerful, generous giving of time, talents and treasure.
MEMBERSHIP MEANS SERVING THE LORD
The work of the Church should be the Lord’s work . Effective and intelligent church membership results in a keen a lively interest in that work.
Membership Registration Form
Registration Form (PDF Format)
Registration Form (Flashpaper Format)
Membership Covenant
Membership Covenant (Flashpaper Format)
Membership Covenant (PDF Format)
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