When you become a member at Lake Magdalene UMC, you pledge to faithfully participate in the ministries of the church through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service. In return, you will gain an entire congregation willing to walk beside you in Christian faith and love through your journey of faith and discipleship.
What are the steps to becoming a member?
- Participate in A Disciple's Path class (Required)
In this course, you will meet others interested in becoming a member of Lake Magdalene UMC and learn the basic overview of the United Methodist Church. A Disciple's Path is a program that guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic, engaged followers of Jesus Christ. Most classes take place on a Saturday mornings and childcare is provided. We encourage all prospective members to participate in A Disciple's Path.
- Complete a New Member Information Form
This form allows us to enter your information into our membership database. To download the form CLICK HERE. You must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer to download this form.
- Attend New Member Sunday
The Worship team will pick a Sunday to welcome new members. We will ask all new members that have completed A Disciple's Path to come forward during the service and recite your membership vows collectively.
You can become a member in one of the following ways:
Profession of Faith - This is the initial entrance into membership in the church when one confesses faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you are not now a baptized Christian, one of our Pastors will be happy to discuss your baptism and church membership with you.
Reaffirmation of Faith - This is one’s renewing of the initial confession of faith for those not on a church membership roll. Or if you transfer your membership from a denomination that will not accept your transfer across denominational lines you will be asked to re-confirm your faith.
Transfer of Membership - From another United Methodist Church or a Christian church of another denomination. We recognize Baptism from all other Christian churches. Since you are already baptized and confirmed, you will only be asked to take the one vow taken by all members of the United Methodist Church: “Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your services?”
Affiliate Membership - If you are a United Methodist whose membership is in another city or state and you wish to retain that membership in your “home” church, you can become an Affiliate Member. This grants you pastoral care and concern, fellowship and full participation (including the holding of an office) in Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church. You will not be counted on the Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church Membership Roll, but on the roll of your “home” church. The Pastor will write your “home” church Pastor informing him/her of your Affiliate Member status in the Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church.
Associate Membership - Members of other Christian denominations may elect to become Associate Members under the same conditions listed above under Affiliate Membership, but may not vote.