Church Membership
At St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church no one ever is pressured to become a
member. Though we are available to support those who are considering membership,
we believe that joining a church is a personal decision which involves an individual’s
own head and heart. We do know, however, that the sense of belonging which comes
with membership does make a difference in the lives of those who find “home” within a
church. If you are trying to decide whether or not a commitment to membership is right
for you, here’s some basic information which might be helpful.
People join Presbyterian churches by conversing with the church’s Session (the
governing body composed of Elders). Our Session meets at 7pm on the fourth Tuesday
evening of each month and every Sunday after worship services. New members can be
received and welcomed either during the fourth Tuesday evening meeting or during a
Sunday morning meeting. It isn’t a necessity but it is helpful to know ahead of time that
someone will be coming to join at a particular meeting of the Session.
What happens during a membership conversation with the Session is not difficult.
We introduce ourselves to you so you can get to know us a little better. And then we
ask you to tell us a little about you so we can begin to know you, too. Most people who
are joining include something about why they want to join St. Andrew’s. The Session
votes, and you become a member.
People join Presbyterian churches in one of three ways:
1. People who have never been baptized or have never been a member of any
church join by “Profession of Faith.” If they’ve never been baptized, they
schedule a date for their baptism during a Sunday morning worship service.
2. People who are currently members of other churches join by “Transfer of their
Letter of Membership.” If they are members of a Presbyterian church, or of a
Methodist or Lutheran or other denomination that participates in transferring
membership letters, our church secretary sends a form to the new member’s
previous church, requesting their letter of membership.
3. People who have been members of other churches but who have not been
active in those churches for a long time, and people who have been members
of churches that do not participate in the letter-transferring process, join by
“Reaffirmation of Faith.”
These three ways of joining all result in full membership within the church. As a
visitor, you were welcome to participate in all the church’s ministry. After joining, you
have a vote about what we do in ministry, and you become eligible to serve in
leadership positions.
Please know that our Pastors and church staff and Elders are available to you if
you’d like more information about St. Andrew’s and about what membership might
mean for you. Call the church office at 512-251-0698 or email admin@staopen.org and
one of us will gladly arrange to meet with you, either by telephone or in person.