Membership

If you are interested in knowing more about our vibrant First Presbyterian Church family, you are invited to explore church membership with Pastor Hal or Pastor Sandy. For a peek of our church future, read our Vision2020 statement.

      New Members – May, 2010

Paths to Membership

There are four ways to become a member of the Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids:
  • by Profession of Faith
  • by Re-affirmation of Faith
  • by Transfer of Certificate or Letter of Transfer
  • as an Affiliate Member

Profession of Faith

During the membership process, if you have never been a member of a Christian church, you join by answering in the affirmative to the following questions:
  • Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?
  • Do you trust in Him?
  • Will you be a faithful disciple obeying His Word and showing His love?
  • Will you be a faithful member of this congregation and will you seek the fellowship of the church wherever you may be?
The Session then receives you into membership. You will then be introduced to the congregation at a subsequent worship service of your choice. If you have not been baptized previously, baptism will be administered in the same service.

Re-affirmation of Faith

If you have been a member of a Christian church but you have not been active in recent years, you join the church by re-affirmation. It is appropriate to reaffirm the commitment made at baptism, to make public again your profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and to express your intention to participate actively in the worship and mission of your church.

Transfer of Certificate or Letter of Transfer

If you are a member of another Christian church, you join by transfer of certificate or letter of transfer from your previous church.

Affiliate Member

If you are a member of another Christian church and do not plan to stay in the area for an extended period of time or if you visit First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids often and wish your membership to remain elsewhere, you may ask to be an affiliate member.

Membership Investigation Class

A single, three-hour class is routinely offered. If you are interested in this opportunity, please check the membership interest box on the attendance register during the worship service or contact the church office (264-8167).