THE MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP

1. When a person unites with a pastorate of the Methodist Church in India, he professes his faith in the official creeds of the Church. He covenants together with God and with the members of the pastorate to keep the following vows which are a part of the order of confirmation and reception into the membership of the Church.

a. To confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and pledge his allegiance to His Kingdom.

b. To receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

c. To promise according to the grace given him to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ’s holy Church;

d. To be loyal to the Methodist Church in India, abide by its Discipline, and uphold it by his prayers, presence, gifts and service.

2. A member of any pastorate is a member of the Methodist Church in India

Responsibility of a Member

Faithful membership in the local Church is essential for personal growth and for developing and increasing sensitivity to the will and grace of God. As members evolve themselves in private and public prayer, worship, sacraments study of the Holy Scriptures, Christian action, systematic giving, and holy way on life, they grow in their Christian experience and appreciation of Christ understanding of God at work in history and an understanding of themselves.

Faithful membership will also mean :

1. Regular attendance in Sunday Worship Services. A member should be present in Sunday Worship Services.

2. Active participation in Sunday Schools and Bible Study groups arranged by the Church.

3. Positive and cheerful giving of time and tithe with consultation with the Pastor and Committee on Stewardship and Local Support.

Participation of a Member.

Faithful participation in the corporate life of the Church is an obligation of the Christian fellow members of the body of Christ. A member is bound in sacred covenant to shoulder the burdens, share the risks, and celebrate the joys of fellow members. A Christian is called to speak the truth in love and be ready to forgive in the spirit of reconciliation.

A Member is a Servant of Christ.

A member of the Methodist Church in India is to be a servant of Christ on mission in the local, national and worldwide community and called upon to be a witness from Christ in the world a light and salt in society and a reconciler. Each member is to identify with the agony and suffering of the world and to radiate and exemplify the redeeming love of Christ.