Persons become members of Salem United Methodist Church: by their profession of faith and by baptism or confirmation; or by transfer of their membership from another UM congregation or other Christian church. Those making a first-time profession of faith would be baptized; or, if previously baptized (perhaps as an infant or child), they will be "confirmed." United Methodists perform baptism in one of three ways — sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Ask Rev. Dixon if you need further clarification.
Membership in the UMC is not simply a vow, it is a commitment to a new way of life. Salem UMC is a congregation of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, and we define membership in this way (from our Book of Discipline):
“When persons unite as professing members with a local United Methodist church, they profess their faith in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. Thus they make known their desire to live their daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. They covenant together with God and with the members of the local church to keep the vows which are a part of the order of confirmation and reception into the Church."
Perspective Members will be asked the following questions:
If you are ready to make the step of church membership, or if you want to further explore the meaning of faith and membership, Rev. Cott would love to speak with you.
“When persons unite as professing members with a local United Methodist church, they profess their faith in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. Thus they make known their desire to live their daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. They covenant together with God and with the members of the local church to keep the vows which are a part of the order of confirmation and reception into the Church."
Perspective Members will be asked the following questions:
- Do you here, in the presence of God, and this congregation, renew the solemn promise and vow that you made, or that was made in your name, at your Baptism? I do.
- Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and pledge your allegiance to his kingdom? I do.
- Do you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments? I do.
- Do you promise accord to the grace give you to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ’s holy Church? I do.
- And will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness? I will.
If you are ready to make the step of church membership, or if you want to further explore the meaning of faith and membership, Rev. Cott would love to speak with you.
