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How to Join Oakton Church
We invite you to consider becoming a member of Oakton United Methodist Church. Membership in a church is really about discipleship—about being a faithful follower of Christ. At OUMC, we work to help all our members and prospective members become followers of Christ.
When you join a United Methodist Church, you will be asked, “Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?”
There are several ways one can join the church:
BAPTISM AND PROFESSION OF FAITH: The United Methodist Church recognizes baptisms of other Christian traditions because we believe baptism is a one-time occurrence. It is typically done in the context of a regularly scheduled worship service because the congregation plays a critical role in the life of the person being baptized. If you have not yet been baptized, in order to join the church, you will be baptized and make a public profession of faith. By profession of faith, we simply mean you will respond to historic questions of the faith which will be discussed with you prior to joining.
PROFESSION OF FAITH: If you have been baptized, but have not made a profession of faith as an adult; or you were once a member of a church where you professed your faith but have lost track of your membership, you will be asked the questions noted above.
TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP: If you are transferring your membership from another denomination or from a United Methodist congregation, OUMC will write your previous church for a letter of membership transfer.
OTHER OPTIONS:
ASSOCIATE MEMBER: A member of another denomination, residing away from home for an expended period, who attends a United Methodist Church, may be enrolled as an associate member. The associate member may hold office, but may not become a voting member of the church council. The associate member is considered a member of the home church.
AFFILIATE MEMBER: A person residing away from home for an extended period who is enrolled in a nearby church for fellowship, pastoral care, and participation in activities. The affiliate member may hold office. The affiliate member is reported as a professing member of the home church only.
SPECIAL NOTE: Membership is not required in order to participate in the life of our church. You are welcome to visit for as long as you like. Unlike the American Express Card, membership in our church has no privileges, only expectations. We promise to visit you in the hospital, whether you are a member or visitor. We will officiate over your weddings and funerals whether member or guest. You may participate in any of our programs as a visitor. We’ll even make a nametag for you as a regular visitor. If you join we will call upon you from time to time to ask for your help. Membership, like marriage, is a sign of commitment.
Regardless of your situation, we would like you to prayerfully consider becoming a member of Oakton Church. Please call the church office at 703-938-1234 or contact the Pastor at hawks.don@gmail.com
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