Becoming a Member
If you are thinking about membership at St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church, we hope this introductory material will enable you to make an informed decision about whether or not you wish to go ahead. At Arrowtown Presbyterian we seek to “Practice the Way of Jesus together” and would love to run that race with together.
Why might I consider becoming a member?
At St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church we consider membership to be an awesome privilege. Membership of the local church reminds us that we are called by Jesus to be members of his Church universal. We believe we are called by God to be the people of God in this place. We are given the fellowship of believers as a gift of God to nurture one another’s faith, to support one another in Christian love, and to seek to carry out God’s mission in this community and beyond so that all may know the love of our Lord. Members of St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church have entered into a public partnership with one another in which we proclaim our faith and commitment to follow Jesus in and from this place.
What is expected of me if I become a member?
We expect of each other that in our life, private and public, we will, with God’s help, seek to live lives that reflect the Profession of Faith that each member makes. Members are expected to be loyal to this congregation, supportive of the leadership and ready to accept responsibility for the ministry of St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church by the free and willing offering of their prayers, presence, gifts and services.
Do I have to become a member?
No. Although we encourage membership it is not compulsory. Other options are available. See ‘Associate Membership’ or you simply may wish to attend and be involved with no formal form of membership.
Who can become a member?
Any adult (over 16) who is baptised and is able to declare their faith, and who is in agreement with the priorities, values, and mission of St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church.
How do I become a member?
It is the responsibility of the Church Session to admit people to membership. Therefore the first step is to approach the minister or one of the elders. Depending on your previous circumstances one or both of the following will need to happen.
• Membership is based upon ‘Baptism’. If not baptised you will need to be baptised before becoming a member. In recognition that there is but One Church in Jesus Christ, and one Baptism we recognise the baptism of all Christian Churches, whether as an infant or later in life.
• Profession of Faith. This may be stated in the form of a personal statement or testimony or affirmed together with the whole church whānau on a chosen Sunday in song or an Affirmation of Faith such as the Kupu Whakapono.
What is Associate membership?
This is an option that may suit you if you are seeking to support the ministry of St John’s Arrowtown Presbyterian Church but are not ready or able to fulfil the other requirements of membership. Associates take full part in the life of the church, including voting rights, but are unable to be ordained to eldership or become a Minister of the Church.
