H o w t o B e c o m e
A M e m b e r
Whether
you are new to the faith or a lifelong Episcopalian, the following questions and
answers will give you the information you need to join this fellowship of
Christians we call The Church of the Good Shepherd.
I’ve never belonged to any church before. How do I become a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd?
You must be baptized to become a member of any Episcopal Church including Good Shepherd. If you’ve never been baptized, you should contact one of the clergy to discuss this and to make necessary arrangements.
What is baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God’s children and made members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the Kingdom of God. At baptism, you publicly renounce Satan, repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You are baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. At baptism, you are officially welcomed into the fellowship of believers, your church family.
I’ve been baptized in a church other than an Episcopal Church. How do I become a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd?
Register the date and place of your baptism with the church secretary. You will then be a baptized member of Good Shepherd, and able to participate in all programs and ministries. You will not be eligible to serve, however, in an elected position (on the Vestry or on a diocesan committee) until you are Confirmed or Received.
What is Confirmation and how do I become Confirmed?
Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which persons who have been duly prepared make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and a commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism and receive the laying-on-of-hands by the bishop. Confirmations classes are held in the Fall and Spring. If you wish to be Confirmed, please speak to any of the clergy.
What if I have been Confirmed in another church other than an Episcopal Church?
If you have been confirmed in another denomination (Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox), having received the laying-on-of-hands from a bishop, and wish to become a member of the Episcopal Church, please speak to any of the clergy. They will arrange for you to be received by the bishop.
What is Reception and how am I received?
Reception is a rite in which the bishop publicly recognizes persons who have been baptized and confirmed in another church as members of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and welcomes them into the Episcopal Church. Persons who wish to be received generally take the Confirmation class as a refresher of their previous preparation and as an introduction to the Episcopal Church. Confirmations classes are held in the Fall and Spring. If you wish to be received, please speak to any of the clergy.
If I’m a member of another Episcopal church, how do I become a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd?
Call the Rector and ask to have your membership transferred from the parish where it was previously recorded. Once you have made your intent known to the Rector, you are a member of Good Shepherd!
What is expected of Good Shepherd’s members?
Good Shepherd’s members are expected to help the Church carry out its mission of restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
How is this work carried out?
This work is carried out by all lay persons in their work of ministry, that being:
Interested in finding out more
about Good Shepherd?
For more information, contact the church
office.