If God is leading you to join Grace United Methodist Church, please note the following steps:

Are you from another church?  If so, you will want to transfer your membership to Grace.  The Church Office will contact your previous church of membership.

Have you been away from the church for some time?  If so, you will want to learn about Grace by Reaffirmation of Faith.  Persons who unite on Reaffirmation of Faith with Grace United Methodist Church will need to speak with one of the pastors.

All persons who become members of Grace Church will participate in the Doorway Class.  The purpose of the Doorway Class is to introduce new members to the ministries and mission of Grace Church.

Becoming a Christian through Grace United Methodist Church
If you are not a Christian, you will want to explore the following steps toward making a Profession of Faith.  One of the pastors of the church is also availalbe to assist in this process:

Step #1 - Accepting Christ as Lord and Savior
The Holy Spirit works in our lives to bring us to a point of acceptance of God's mercy and grace.  It is a point that involves praying for the forgiveness of sins and inviting Christ to be our Lord and Savior and surrendering our lives to Him. 

If you believe Christ is moving you to take this step, you will want to pray the following to begin the journey of faith and salvation:
Lord, I confess that I am a sinner, deserving only your judgment.  And I thank you for providing a Savior in Jesus Christ, your only Son.  I here and now acknowledge my need for Him.  I repent of my sins, and I receive Him as my Lord and Savior.  I thank you for inviting me into your rule on earth.  Help me, O God, to live according to your will and love.  Amen.

This is a prayer that you will want to pray with others.  Praying it verbally with a friend, or a spouse, or a pastor can be a good way to start your journey with other Christians. 

Following this prayer, if you have not been baptized, you will also want to set up a time to speak with a pastor about this important step.

Step #2 - Developing Habits of the Mind
A creed is one way to grasp the basic foundations of the Christian faith.  It gives a solid summary of what the church believes.  There are also other ways to learn about the Christian faith, of course, but the Apostles' Creed is a good place to start:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.  I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.  He suffered under Pontius Pilot, was crucified, died, and was buried.   He descended to the dead.  On the third day, He rose again.  He ascended into heaven, and is seated on the right hand of the Father.  He will come again to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Step #3 - Developing Habits of the Heart
God calls all Christians to grow in faith and discipleship.  Practicing spiritual disciplines is key to that growth.  Here are a few of those disciplines that help us as Christians to say we love God with all our  heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 23:26-30):

• Prayer:  Personal and Corporate
• Weekly Worship and Participation
• Receiving Holy Communion
• Participating in a Small Group or Class or Study
• Helping with a Ministry in the Church
• Taking Part in a Mission Trip
• Helping with a Service Project

There are many opportunities to grow in these areas.  Information is readily available in the Church Office.

Step #4 - Becoming a Responsible Christian
There are many persons in the life of the church who are willing to walk with you and share the joys and challenges of Christian discipleship.  The Christian life involves many ups-and-downs.  However, it also involves the amazing grace of God!  We look foward to sharing our lives together as we grow in God's grace and as we move into the world to serve Jesus Christ!

Step #5 - Taking the Next Step
Now is the time to move toward becoming involved in a small group.  Some of the opportunites at Grace Church include the following:  The Alpha Course, Bible Studies, Sunday School Class, Disciple Bible Study, Wonderful Wednesdays, Choirs, United Methodist Women, and more!  Please speak with one of the pastors or contact the Church Office at 736-7962.