Session 1 Membership 101
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The document provides information from an orientation session for new members at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church. It discusses the history of the church, established in 1880. It outlines the benefits of church membership, such as finding spiritual family support. Membership requirements include a commitment to Christ, baptism, and completing the orientation. Expectations of members include regular worship attendance, participating in a small group, tithing, and serving in a church ministry using one's gifts. The orientation prepares new members to get involved in the church community through various service opportunities.
Session 1 Membership 101
- 1. Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church Church Membership Training and Orientation Session 1: Why is it important to be a church member?
- 2. Welcome On behalf of the pastor and members of Mount Pleasant United Methodist church, we would like to welcome you to the church family. The purpose of this orientation is to help you become comfortable with understanding the United Methodist Church and better navigate among the different components of the church.
- 3. History of Mount Pleasant In 1880, a group of Christian pioneers, inspired by God, laid the foundation of the church in the Turkey Creek Community. It was first organized as Mt. Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church. On September 12, 1889, Mrs. Malinda Benton deeded land north of Rippy Road for the construction of the first brush arbor church. The brush arbor was later converted into a framed building. The church outgrew its early location, and in 1937 Mrs. Artemise Tuggle provided the leadership necessary to move the church from its restricted location to its present location. Under the pastorate of Rev. R. J. Jimmerson in 1946, the current building was erected to the glory of God and to the service of men, women, and children of the community. The Methodist Episcopal Church joined the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1966. This became effective in 1968, and Mt. Pleasant Methodist Episcopal became Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Mt. Pleasant continues to flourish in the community of Turkey Creek and on March 21, 2007, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, listed the Turkey Creek Community, Rippy Road, as a Historic District. A dedication celebration was held on May 8, 2007, to commemorate this recognition. Over the years, many outstanding pastors and laity have prepared and led the congregation of Mt. Pleasant. We are indeed blessed to have this tradition continue under the current leadership of Rev. Lindsey Robinson.
- 4. Mission Statement Our mission is to seek the lost, maintain strong community ties, prepare believers to know Christ, and become faithful witnesses for Him. Motto: We care for the lost and prepare the believer to share Christ’s love
- 5. Educational Sessions Session 1: Why is it important to be a church member? Session 2: What is the purpose of the church? Session 3: What do we believe as United Methodist? Session 4: History of the Methodist church, United Methodist organizational structure, and local church structure
- 6. Why is it important to be a church member?
- 7. What does church membership mean to you?
- 8. Meaning of Membership The difference between being an attendee and being a member can be summed up in one word
- 9. Benefits of Membership A place where you can identify with other believers. (Ephesians 2:19; Romans 12:5) A place where you gain a spiritual family for support and encouragement for your Christian walk. (Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25) A place to discover, cultivate and use your gifts in ministry. (1 Corinthians 12:4-27) A place where spiritual/Godly leaders provide guidance and nurture you. (Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28-29) 1 Timothy 3:15 refers to the church as the family of God. God does not want us growing up in isolation.
- 10. Membership Requirements Desire and honestly seek a personal relationship with Christ. Baptism in the Christian faith, if you have not already been baptized. Completion of Membership Orientation Make a commitment to faithfully keep our congregation membership vows/expectations. The person, as candidate for membership, must have attended our congregation for 2 months. The person, as candidate for membership, must become part of a small group during those 2 months. Sign a membership/leadership covenant.
- 11. Congratulations! Once you complete your New Membership orientation, sign a commitment card and membership covenant, publically profess the membership vows to the congregation, received the hand of fellowship from the congregation, you are officially a member.
- 12. Membership Expectations Develop a personal relationship with Christ. (Matthew 4:19; Luke 9:23; John 10:4; Matthew 9:9; John 2:11) Regular worship attendance (Romans 12:1-2; John 4:24; Hebrews 10:1) Active participation in at least one growth group apart from worship attendance. (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:11-6:3) Giving financially with tithing as your goal. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15: Leviticus 27:30) Regular prayer and devotional time with God. (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Proverbs 15:8; Psalm 6:91; Titus 2:8) Participate in an outreach ministry through the church (Matthew 25:44-45) Serving in a ministry with your gifts and talents. (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Peter 4:10)
- 13. Getting Involved Now that you are a member, your ministry guide or Pastor will assist with your personal and spiritual growth plan. Once you discover your spiritual gifts and the area of ministry you have a passion to serve, you will begin a period of job training.
- 14. Supporting Mission and Ministry Christian stewardship is the practice of systemic an proportionate giving of time, talent, and material possessions based on the conviction that these things are a trust (on loan to us) from God to be used in the service and benefit of mankind, in grateful acknowledgement of Christ’s redeeming love. ~United Stewardship Council 1945 Tithing: At Mount Pleasant, we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical minimum standard of giving. Therefore, we give financially based upon the biblical standard of tithing. A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. ~Leviticus 27:30
- 15. Service Opportunities Sunday School Worship United Methodist Men United Methodist Women United Methodist Youth Ushering Ministry Prayer Ministry Bible Study Lay Servant Members are encouraged to explore area/s which they want to render service to God through one of the church’s ministries.
- 16. Reflections 1. List three benefits of church membership. 2. List three requirements for becoming a member. 3. List three membership expectations. 4. What service opportunities interest you? 5. Where are you in your faith journey?
- 17. Online Resources Mount Pleasant’s website http://www.mtpleasantumc-gulfport.org/ General Board of Discipleship http://www.gbod.org/ UMC Giving http://www.umcgiving.org/site/c.qwL6KkNWLrH/b.7492427/k.BE8A/Home.htm Click on link to view website