While some people don’t think it is necessary to “formally” join a church family, we envision it as a significant spiritual covenant between our church members and the larger community of faith and God.

There are a number of ways to unite with the church family at Beargrass. If someone is new to the Christian faith and has not been baptized, the person would make a profession of faith. A minister would ask the question: “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, son of the living God?”

If someone has already made a profession of faith and been baptized, the person would transfer his or her membership from a former congregation. A minister would ask the question: “Do you reaffirm the faith that you have expressed at another time that Jesus is the Christ, son of the living God?” A formal letter of membership from the former church is not required and people are not expected to be baptized again.

We also recognize the diverse needs of people in a changing world and there are a couple of other membership options. One is “dual” membership–sometimes adults (and especially children) are active in two communities of faith. Another form is “student” membership, which allows college students the opportunity to have a “church home away from home” while they are in school.

Generally, people are invited and encouraged to join the church at the end of the worship service when they can be welcomed and recognized by the congregation. We also know that some people are not comfortable being in front of a crowd, so it is possible to join the church privately by handing the membership card to a minister, putting the card in the offering plate, or simply notifying the church office.