Membership at University Presbyterian Church

Why Become a Member?

UPC views membership as one step in a life-long discipleship process. Thus becoming a member of UPC is not so much about meeting certain requirements and having your name placed on a roll, as it is about taking up the journey of Christian discipleship with the people of this congregation. The process of becoming a member at UPC is designed to introduce you to our community, equip you to navigate comfortably within it, and prepare you to join with us in our mission to Share Hope in Jesus Christ.

• The membership process is an opportunity to wrestle with, and clarify, what you believe.
• Membership is an affirmation of your commitment to God and his people.
• Membership is a commitment to a particular part of God's family that nurtures continuing growth in your faith.

Starting the Process

If you're thinking about becoming a member at University Presbyterian Church, then start by signing up for the Membership Kickoff event that happens a few times a year. During this 60-minute meeting, you will learn about the small-group–based New Member process. Each incoming member participates in a small group study with six to ten others. The groups are facilitated by elders and deacons who will lead you through a curriculum designed to acquaint you with the Presbyterian tradition and connect you to the UPC community.

The next opportunity to explore membership will be in Fall 2012.

What Happens Next?

Party Time!

The process isn’t all study! After the six-week small group study, we'll throw you a party with dessert and a question-and-answer session with one of the pastors. During this event, you can discuss what you have learned, thoughts you have about finding community, and other questions you might have about membership at UPC. This will also be a time where you can clarify the meaning of the membership questions and the promises you make by becoming a member. It's also really fun.

Membership Sunday

If you decide to join, and after you've completed the process and filled out the paperwork, you will be welcomed into the UPC family during Sunday services with your group. Membership Sunday happens twice a year.

Baptism

According to Presbyterian tradition, you need to be baptized to be a member of the church. If you were baptized earlier in life, or at a non-Presbyterian church, it still counts. If you haven’t been baptized, you should be baptized as part of Membership Sunday. Click here to read more about baptism at University Presbyterian Church.