How do I become a member?
Courtland United Methodist Church invites into church membership any person who seeks to know and make known Jesus Christ.
As in any other congregation of the United Methodist Church, you may join our fellowship at Courtland in any of the following ways:
1. By Transfer from Another Christian Church
This category is appropriate when you are on the active roll of another Christian church.
* If you are coming from another United Methodist church, we simply ask that you be loyal to the work of Christ at Courtland UMC.
* If you are coming from another Christian church or denomination, we accept the rich heritage of faith you bring with you to Courtland UMC. Therefore, you do not need to be re-baptized. We will simply ask you to re-affirm your membership vows.
2. By Reaffirmation of Your Faith in Christ
This category is appropriate either…
* When you desire an opportunity to renew and/or refresh your commitment to Christ, or…
* When you have been inactive in your former church for a period of time.
In either case, we will lead you through a renewal of your membership vows (below). If desired, an opportunity for you to renew your baptismal vows may be included.
3. By Profession of Your Faith in Jesus Christ
This category is appropriate either…
* When you have been previously baptized but have never actually joined a church. We ask you the vows of church membership (below).
* When you have neither joined a church nor been previously baptized. We baptize you in the body of Christ and ask you the vows of church membership (below).
4. Affiliate Membership and Associate Membership
For those who desire to retain their membership in another church outside of Panola County Affiliate Membership (current United Methodists) and Associate Membership (current non-United Methodists) is also available.
New members can be received nearly every Sunday at the conclusion of our worship services.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU…
Members of Courtland United Methodist Church pledge the following to our fellow members and our community:
* To help you to celebrate God’s presence through sacred, dynamic, and inspiring worship.
* To help you better relate to other people through meaningful Christian fellowship.
* To provide you with opportunities for Christian growth and discipleship.
* To be here when you need us for guidance and/or help.
* To provide you with tangible opportunities to serve Christ and demonstrate Christian love.
WHEN YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MEMBER…
Please communicate this desire in one of the following ways:
* Contact the pastor (by phone or e-mail) and ask about church membership
* See the pastor after any worship service or small group meeting.
THE VOWS OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
All new members and current members are asked to pledge the following:
Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and pledge allegiance to Christ’s Kingdom.
Receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Bible.
Promise according to the grace given to you to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ’s holy Church.
Support the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your Prayers, your Presence, your Gifts, your Service, and your Witness.
WHAT IS ASKED OF ME?
Speak with Courtland’s pastor about your desire to become a member.
The pastor can help guide and direct you in your decision to become a member at Courtland UMC, and to answer any questions you might have about Christianity, the United Methodist Church, and/or Courtland UMC.
Take any appropriate vows of church membership (Above).
Regularly practice the following five expressions of Christian faith through Courtland United Methodist Church:
* PRAYERS – Practice your faith through taking time to pray for yourself, others, and for your church. This fulfills God’s call for us to become people of prayer to let prayer be the “breath of our spiritual lives.”
* PRESENCE – Practice your faith through your regular presence, attendance, and participation…
(#1) in our church’s regular Sunday worship service (11:00 AM) AND…
(#2) in at least ONE small group when available
(such as a Sunday School class, Bible Study group, music group, etc.).
These fulfill God’s call for us to grow through fellowship and partnership with our fellow Christians.
* GIFTS – Practice your faith through regular financial giving. This fulfills God’s call for us to grow in our spiritual lives through the stewardship of our financial lives.
* SERVICE – Practice your faith by becoming involved in servant ministry (any mission or outreach ministry focused on helping others) sponsored by or in partnership with our church. This fulfills God’s call for us to not only receive ministry, but to give it away to others, as well.
* WITNESS – Live your life knowing that others are watching and will base their understanding of the Christian faith largely on the example we set for them; share your faith story with others whenever possible; and make an intentional effort to learn the critical skills necessary to defend your faith.
We believe that consistent practice of these five expressions of our Christianity in and through our church is expected of each and every member, not only to feel “connected” with other Christians, but also to enable us to grow in our faith journey with Jesus Christ.
We hope that this information has been helpful. If we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone (662-934-0749), email (cumc@courtlandumc.org), or visit our website (www.courtlandumc.org).
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