Louisville

The Church is the body of Christ acting in the world as a witness to the gospel of grace. If the Church is to serve as Christ's faithful evangelist in active community, it must work at engaging and examining new members.

An active member is one who makes a profession of faith in Christ, has been baptized, and is received into the body by an act of session. As a community of faith, the Church entrusts its life to God and works at becoming a community of hope, "rejoicing in the sure and certain knowledge that, in Christ, God is making a new creation. This new creation is a new beginning for human life and for all things. The Church lives in the present on the strength of that promised new creation." The Church is "a community of witness, pointing beyond itself through word and work to the good news of God's transforming grace in Christ Jesus its Lord." (Book of Order, F-1.0301)

"Membership ... is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ's mission" (Book of Order, G-1.0304). Therefore, it is appropriate that new members be prepared and examined for membership by the session overseeing their care and nurture. While "no person shall be denied membership for any reason not related to profession of faith" (Book of Order, G-1.0302), even if a new member is joining by letter of transfer or reaffirmation of faith, thus renewing a faith commitment made at an earlier date, they are still dedicating themselves to a new congregation and should know how the mission and ministry of Christ are lived out in that particular assembly. While the pastor can be helpful in sharing this information, and is often the one to lead a "new member class," the session is best-positioned to tell the church's story and invite discussion over areas of mutual interest and dedication. Such a discussion can help the ruling elders discern an individual readiness to grow in covenant faithfulness.