Want to become a member?
When you feel led to make Lake Cities United Methodist Church your spiritual home, we invite you to set up a time to meet with our pastor. Together, you’ll talk about the United Methodist understanding of God’s grace, explore the theology and ministry of our church, and discuss how we live out our faith as a congregation. The pastor will also guide you through the process of membership and schedule a time for you to be welcomed into the church family during worship.
Ready to get started? Take the first step by filling out this Google Form so that we can be sure to keep you connected at Lake Cities UMC.
Commitments of Membership at Lake Cities UMC
When you become a member of Lake Cities, you are making a covenant with God and with this congregation. Members commit to:
Live faithfully in accordance with your baptismal vows to Christ.
Be baptized (if you have not already been baptized; the UMC accepts baptisms from any Christian tradition).
Worship regularly and participate in the life of the church.
Support the church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
Join in the mission of the church locally, regionally, and globally.
Types of Membership
The United Methodist Church recognizes several types of membership, depending on your circumstances and level of commitment:
Full Member – You join Lake Cities UMC on a permanent basis, with full voting privileges and eligibility to serve in church leadership (except clergy roles).
Affiliate Member – You join Lake Cities UMC temporarily while keeping your full membership in another United Methodist congregation. You may vote on matters affecting the UMC as a whole, but not on matters specific to Lake Cities.
Associate Member – You join Lake Cities UMC while retaining full membership in another Christian denomination. Associate members do not vote in church matters but are welcomed fully into our fellowship.
Preparatory Member – Baptized children and youth under 18 who have not yet been confirmed. They prepare through confirmation classes (typically beginning around age 12) before making their own profession of faith.
A Word About Baptism
Baptism is required for all levels of membership in the United Methodist Church. If you have already been baptized in another Christian church, the UMC recognizes and honors that baptism—no second baptism is necessary. If you have not been baptized, our pastor will talk with you about the meaning of baptism and help you choose among the three traditional United Methodist practices: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.
Our Commitment to You
Joining Lake Cities UMC is a sacred and joyful step. As you commit yourself to Christ and to this congregation, we also make commitments to you. We promise to be your church home, to provide spiritual care and support as you grow in faith, and to walk with you in prayer, service, and fellowship. Together, we live into our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and the world.