Membership

BECOMING A MEMBER

There are formal and informal ways to express your commitment to a church. The most informal expression is to show up and be present. Do this regularly and soon it will feel like you belong to the church.

Some people want to take that sense of belonging and formally express their commitment by joining the church. This formal expression is called membership, although the word can be misleading. The church is not a club with membership privileges, dues, and a door that only members can use. At St. Simons Presbyterian it should feel like everyone is a member, whether it's your first visit or your 100th.

We accept new members any Sunday of the year. Here's how it works:

Let our pastors know that you would like to join the church.
Attend a brief meeting with elders from our church before worship on the Sunday you would like to join. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and answer a few traditional questions of the Christian faith.
Join us in worship so that we can welcome and pray for you - and voila, you're a member!

Becoming a member doesn't mean you'll get priority seating or first dibs at church luncheons. But, if it's important to you to have a place of worship to call your home and a community of people you like hanging out with then membership might be right for you.

Let Us Know You Would Like to Join!

TIPS FOR GETTING MORE INVOLVED

If you want to get more involved at St. Simons Presbyterian, there are many ways to accomplish your goal:

Join us for worship, Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am (8:30 and 10am during the summer) at 205 Kings Way.
Get coffee or lunch with a pastor. Presbyterian ministers love to drink coffee and eat lunch, so let us know you'd like to get together and learn more about the church, Presbyterianism, or just chat.
Come to Sunday School. Expands the mind and opens the heart!
Serve: from Days of Service to Manna House to being an usher on Sunday mornings, we have a place for you.
Become a official member on any given Sunday.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the different ways that I can join?

Profession of Faith - Join this way if you were baptized in another church of any denomination but never professed your faith as an adult. If you need to be baptized, that will happen during a regularly scheduled worship service.
Transfer of Membership - You are on the active membership roll of another church. In this case, simply tell us what church and we will send a letter noting that you are now a member of St. Simons Presbyterian.
Reaffirmation of Faith - You’ve made a profession of faith but are not on the active membership role of any church.

Do I have to be baptized again?

No. The Presbyterian Church (USA) recognizes all baptisms administered in a Christian church, irrespective of denomination. This includes the Catholic Church.

What if my membership is currently at the Catholic Church?

You will join by transfer of membership.

How do I transfer my membership?

Once you are ready to join, we will ask you for all the necessary information. We’ll handle the rest.

How do I reaffirm my faith or make a profession of faith if I've already been baptized?

You will be asked a series of questions during the meeting with elders prior to your joining the church.

How do I make a profession of faith if I haven't been baptized?

You will be asked a series of questions during the meeting with elders prior to your joining the church, and your baptism will be scheduled at a regular worship service.

Can I be a member of two churches at the same time?

Yes and No. You cannot be an active member of St. Simons Presbyterian and be an active member somewhere else. But you can be an affiliate member. Affiliate members do not participate in congregational votes but can eat all the food and drink all the coffee they want.

If I was baptized in another denomination, does that count?

Yes.

Is there be a confirmation process for young people who would like to join the church?

Yes. We hold confirmation class each year in the spring and fall.

Does joining the church as a member cost money?

Technically, it does not. But remember that being a part of a community means that you are committed to supporting it with your time, gifts, and your money. We believe that a church can only be as vibrant and generous as its members make it. Give a little or give a lot - regardless, we think you will be surprised by what God does for others through our gifts.