Becoming a Member


Our Commitment
to You

To support you when you need prayer, counsel, or help.

To invite your participation in sacred and inspiring worship.

To help you find ways to use your gifts, talents, and interests to serve God.

To support your relationship with God through Christian Education.

To nurture the spiritual growth of every member of your family.



 

Decatur First UMC Joining Jubilee
August 28

Joining Us

Joining Decatur First United Methodist Church

Church membership is open to any and all who seek the presence of God in their lives.

The process of joining is typically initiated by contacting one of the ministers and filling out a New Member Information Form available online here. It is not required that you contact a minister prior to joining.

Baptism is a requirement for membership. Please read below for more information about Baptism.


 
The United Methodist Church receives members in the following ways:

Profession of Faith (or confirmation for youth) - If you've never been a member of any church, you can join a United Methodist congregation by professing Jesus Christ as your Savior. The church espouses one baptism; thus, if you've been baptized, "rebaptism" it is not necessary. The church will honor your Christian baptism. Profession of faith includes:
 
  • Affirming your baptismal vows;
  • Commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord;
  • Accepting the Old and New Testaments as normative for faith and practice; and
  • Commitment to live the Christian life and remain a faithful member of Christ's Holy Church through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service.
Renewal of Vows - If you once belonged to a church but are currently inactive, you can join by renewing your Christian vows.

Transfer of membership - Members of a United Methodist church or another denomination may have their membership moved to another United Methodist congregation. In the case of transfers from other denominations or other United Methodist churches, our office will write to your former church indicating your desire to have your membership transferred to Decatur First United Methodist Church.

Affiliate or Associate Membership - If you have reason to retain your membership in another church (such as your hometown church if you've relocated for an extended period) you can still become an affiliate or associate member of a United Methodist congregation.

Baptism at Decatur First UMC
Baptism is a requirement for membership. If you have been baptized in any denomination, you are free to join whenever your heart is called to do so. Just step forward during the singing of the last hymn during any one of our worship services. If you have not been baptized and would like more information about baptism, or would like to schedule a personal pre-baptismal counseling session, please contact Dr. David Naglee at 404-378-4541 x.105 and at dsnaglee@decaturfirst.org, or Dr. Katy Hinman at 404-378-4541 x.102 and at khinman@decaturfirst.org.

The United Methodist Church baptizes with water by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. At Decatur First United Methodist Church, we baptize by sprinkling, unless otherwise requested.

During the baptism, you will be asked the following questions:
  • Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and pledge allegiance to His Kingdom? I do.
  • Do you receive and profess the Christian Faith as contained in the Old and New Testaments? I do.
  • Do you promise according to the grace given to you to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ’s Holy Church? I do.


After You Join
The church regularly offers a “Decatur First UMC 101” class for visitors and new members. Please check NOW, the church newsletter, and the worship bulletin for dates and times. In addition, several times each year the ministers offer a series of classes on the basics of United Methodism.

For more information, please contact Dr. Katy Hinman at 404-378-4541 x.105 and at khinman@decaturfirst.org. After joining, please fill out a New Member Information Form available online here or call Sally Winter, Director of Care and Records, at 404-378-4541 x.107.

 
Questions and Answers about Joining

I have not been baptized; may I still join the church?

The United Methodist Church requires that all members be baptized prior to joining the church. We accept baptisms from other denominations, so there is no need to be baptized again. If you have never been baptized in the Christian faith or would like to receive this sacrament at Decatur First UMC, one of our ministers would be happy to perform a baptism for you. Please see the “Baptism at Decatur First UMC” section in the middle column of this page for more information.


Are there any financial requirements?

Upon joining the church, you will be asked to support the United Methodist Church with, “your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service.” While we ask that you prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to the church, there are no specific financial requirements. For a wealth of information about all the many ways to give and how to put your Faith into Action within the church please visit our Faith in Action pages.


I want to join the church. Do I need to contact the church or a minister prior to joining?

Prior to someone joining the church, our ministers enjoy meeting and talking with prospective members, but it is not a requirement. If you have been baptized in any denomination, you are free to join whenever your heart is called to do so. Just step forward during the singing of the last hymn during any one of our worship services.
 

Decatur First United Methodist Church :: 300 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 :: 404-378-4541
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