Membership

Becoming a member of our church involves three steps:

Step 1: Welcome Lunch

The first step for becoming a member of Sellwood Church is to attend a Sunday afternoon Welcome Lunch, held once every three months. You can find out more about the next Welcome Lunch here. When you register for the Welcome Lunch you will receive a digital copy and a hard copy of the Introduction to the Life & Doctrine of Sellwood Church booklet. Registrants should read the booklet before the Welcome Lunch, and be ready to ask questions and engage with its content.

Step 2: Membership Application & Interview

At the Welcome Lunch attendees will have the opportunity to schedule a membership interview. When someone schedules an interview an electronic membership application is sent to their email, and they are asked to complete the application before the time of their interview.

In addition to capturing basic information like their email address, mailing address, and phone number for our church records, the membership application asks a prospective member about their baptism, understanding of the gospel, and personal testimony of faith in Christ.

At their membership interview, a prospective member will…

• talk with the elders about their understanding of the gospel, coming to faith, and present spiritual life.

• discuss their baptism. If a prospective member is in need of baptism, their baptism will be scheduled for an upcoming Sunday morning worship gathering.

• be asked to sign the statement of faith and church covenant, signifying their agreement with the doctrine and lifestyle commitments outlined in those documents.

• be encouraged to engage in various ministry opportunities in the church.

• have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions they have about the church.

Step 3: Congregational Affirmation

Based on the recommendation of the pastors, the congregation officially recognizes new church members at a quarterly members’ meeting.