Joining Trinity
We are assuming that you are considering becoming a part of our congregation since you have arrived at this page. Let us assure you that you are welcome.
We believe that discipleship takes many forms. After visiting other parts of this website, you will have seen a few of those that we offer at Trinity.
One thing, though, that we must emphasize to ourselves, and to those wishing to become a part of the fellowship at Trinity: All persons who are members of Trinity United Methodist Church are expected to support the church by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service. We also expect members to become involved in at least one of several opportunities for spiritual formation.
Infant Baptism
As United Methodists, we value children. When a family presents a child for baptism, we celebrate God’s invitation to the child to become a member of the family of God. We, as a congregation, accept the responsibility to raise the child as a child of God. The child is placed on our preparatory roll until age 18. Usually, during the 6th grade, the child attends confirmation class to prepare for confirmation and to become a professing member of the congregation.
Adult Profession of Faith and Baptism
If you have never been baptized into the Christian Church, the first step in becoming a member of Trinity United Methodist Church is by profession of faith. You will need to schedule a series of meetings with one of the pastors to discuss your desire to become baptized. Baptism is the acceptance of the grace of God, offered to you freely. It is also the sign of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. We want you to know that love and to learn ways to practice it in your life; therefore, we offer you guidance in the meaning of baptism and help you to discover ways to apply your baptism in your world.
Transfer of Membership
If you have been baptized, and are a member of another Christian Church, we accept your baptism. You would simply state your desire to transfer into the United Methodist Church, and the Trinity congregation in particular. Again, the pastors are available to discuss with you the theology of the United Methodist Church. If you are to be located in Memphis for a brief period of time, and want to “cast your lot” with Trinity for that time, you may request affiliate membership. An affiliate member remains a member of their home denomination, but participates in the life of Trinity United Methodist Church while living in Memphis.
If you want to participate with Trinity in worship, and serve through the church, but retain your membership elsewhere, you may become a constituent member.
If you are a member of another United Methodist Church, there are two ways that you can become a member of Trinity:
- If you have moved into our parish, and want to transfer your membership, you would simply request that the pastors write to your home church for your membership to be transferred.
- If you have moved into our parish and are planning to live here for a short while, but want to maintain your membership in your home congregation, you may request associate membership at Trinity. You will have all the rights and responsibilities of church membership as you would in your home church. You would simply “cast your lot” with Trinity during your stay in Memphis.
We hope that you will accept our invitation to become a part of the family of Trinity United Methodist Church.
