Who Can Join?
In a word, YOU can join! There are no prerequisites, other
than a desire to be an active part of this fellowship of
believers in Christ Jesus. We want you to be a part of our
mission: "To Know and Make Known the God Who Changes Lives
through Jesus Christ!"
You may become a member by way of:
-
Transfer from another Methodist church or other Christian
church
-
or Affirmation of Faith, regardless of your formal
religious background.
If you are ready to become a member of the FUMC family of
Christian believers, visit the
How to
Join page.
If you are still not sure and want to learn more about
FUMC's people and beliefs, please join the next
"New
Member's" Class. It was made for people just like you!
Or, if you would like to speak to someone about becoming a
member, please contact the
Church Office to
schedule an appointment or call from one of our pastors.
A
Word about Baptism...
Baptism is not required before membership, but we do ask
that anyone in your family who is not baptized consider
making that commitment after joining as a symbol of their
rebirth and new life in Christ. Please see
What
about Baptism? for more information. If you would like
to schedule a baptism, please contact the Church Office to
schedule an appointment with the Pastor.
If you have already been baptized, we recognize that baptism
in Christ and do not feel that we can improve upon what God
has already done.
Reaffirmation of that Baptism is a great way to celebrate
your renewed commitment to Christ and the church. Please
discuss this option with the Pastor.
How To Join:
Step 1: Download, Print and complete the New
Member Form from our website (coming soon) or
obtain a printed copy from the church office.
Step 2: Contact the Church Office, either by
calling (972.937.4400) or
e-mail to arrange for a meeting or visit
with one of the Pastors. Give the completed New
Member Form to our secretary or to any of the
Pastors.
Step 3: There are 3 ways to join: (with your
permission, a picture will be taken for our
bulletin Boards, newsletters and web-site).
-
Publicly at the end of the service when the
Pastor calls up those who wish to join. This
action symbolizes your willingness to accept
the grace God offers you and that you are
willing to make a public your commitment to
the church. After the service, you will have
the chance to meet many of those you will see
each week in worship by greeting them with the
Pastor at the door in the Narthex.
-
Privately with one of the pastors (by
appointment). We will also occasionally offer
"Amnesty Sundays" for those who have been
attending for a long time and are thought of
as members but who never officially joined our
church and don't want to walk forward.
-
With a small group at the end of the periodic
"New Member" Classes
Step
4: You will receive a "New Member" packet of
information. Please review the material inside
and quickly return to the office any
informational forms that you have not previously
returned. We strongly encourage all of our
members to make a commitment to the church by
filling out a "Time and Talent" Survey and an
annual "Estimate of Giving" Card.
Step 5: If you did not do so before joining, we
hope that you make a faith commitment to learn
more about FUMC's unique gifts by attending the
4-week "New Member" Class. This is not a
requirement*, but it is a great way to get to
know others like you, plus get to know the
pastors and Lay Leaders in an intimate learning
setting. You will learn about the resources,
beliefs, missions, ministries & people that make
FUMC special.
*Some have found that other means to become an
active part of the FUMC Waxahachie family.
Examples are joining the choir, a Sunday School
Class or attending a Walk to Emmaus Weekend.
Please discuss these alternatives with one of
the pastors.
"New Member" Classes
"New Member" Class: is a short, 4-week (or
4-hour) class made for you if you are...
-
Thinking about joining FUMC, but need to
know more;
-
A recent new member, ready to learn more
about your new church home & family;
-
A not-so-new member, who never felt like you
got "plugged in" the way you hoped.
In the "New Member" classes, Lay Leaders and
pastors will lead discussions about who's who
& where's where at FUMC, about basic Christian
beliefs as well as the Methodist's unique
understandings, about discovering your own
unique spiritual gifts and using them to serve
the Lord through FUMC's missions & ministries,
and about connecting with others in Christian
fellowships while studying God's Word in Small
Group studies & Sunday School classes.
The best part of all is that you will make
lasting friends in your class, while you learn
in an informal, interactive, small group
setting.
Please Join Us!
Frequently Asked Questions about the
"New Member" Classes
1. Who should take it?
-
Adults & mature teens
-
Those who want more information about FUMC
beliefs, missions, and ministries before
they can decide if they will "fit in."
-
Recent (or even not-so-recent) members who
want to get connected better.
2. Is this class required of all new
members?
-
No. However, the leaders of the church ask
that every member be active & purposeful
in ways that match with their gifts &
passions. This includes Christian learning
& fellowship, plus active use of your
spiritual gifts in the support of the FUMC
mission, "to glorify God by sharing
Christ, discipling believers, and serving
others. "
3. I am coming from a Methodist church.
Why should I take these classes?
-
You will learn about the missions &
ministries of this United Methodist
Church;
-
You will get to meet with the pastors and
Lay Leaders in an intimate, informal
setting;
-
You will learn about some of the Small
Groups & Sunday Schools at FUMC;
-
You will make some new friends;
-
And you'll even get to find out where's
where & who's who at FUMC.
4. When do these classes meet?
-
Classes are started as needed, with 3-4
per year.
-
Class generally meet for 4 Sundays from
12:30 - 2 pm including a light lunch.
-
Other days/times can be scheduled
depending on needs of church or
participants.
5. What about my younger children?
-
Childcare is provided. Be sure to indicate
your need on the Class Registration Form.
6.
What if I can't attend all class meetings?
-
It is important to attend as many as
possible; we hope you can commit to attend
all of the class meetings.
7. What is covered in the class?
-
The course outline includes FUMC People &
Places, Who Is God?, Who is Jesus Christ?,
Who Is the Holy Spirit, The Methodist
Church, Worship & Prayer, Mission &
Ministry, My Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship,
and Your Membership Decision.
8. Who leads the classes?
-
Classes are led by Lay Leaders of FUMC.
The pastors are involved and will lead the
"worship and prayer" section of the class.
We hope you will meet most, if not all, of
the Work Area Chairs and Team Leaders
before the class is completed.
9. How do I sign up?
10. Who can I call for more information?
