Becoming a member of a church

[Anonymous]

I have recently started going to the services at a nearby church. The pastor spoke to me last time and asked me to come to talk to him about becoming a member. What does becoming a member entail? Am I expected to start tithing or contributing otherwise financially? At what point am I expected to become a member or stop going? FWIW I'm contribute generously to the collection every time, but I am not sure yet if I want to continue going long-term and become a member.

[Anonymous]

Don't let them pressure you. Some pastors have more a sales mentality and like to see progress via membership. I've known people who became members only after years of attending. I had no idea they weren't members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have recently started going to the services at a nearby church. The pastor spoke to me last time and asked me to come to talk to him about becoming a member. What does becoming a member entail? Am I expected to start tithing or contributing otherwise financially? At what point am I expected to become a member or stop going? FWIW I'm contribute generously to the collection every time, but I am not sure yet if I want to continue going long-term and become a member.

Yes, part of being a member entails financially contributing. I'd meet with him and tell him your issues and/or tell him the next time that he speaks with you, I assume after services.

As far as I know, you never have to "stop going" but I can understand the pastor's curiosity.

[Anonymous]

Membership is church or denomination specific. The past few churches I’ve been a part of haven’t had any membership. Others there’s an element of giving or serving involved. You can just listen and say you’ll prayerfully consider it and will let them know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't let them pressure you. Some pastors have more a sales mentality and like to see progress via membership. I've known people who became members only after years of attending. I had no idea they weren't members.

Avoid churches like this. FWIW, my nondenominational church doesn’t have a formal membership. We do have a newcomer’s lunch where you can get information about the various ministries, but no pressure or sales pitch because there’s nothing to “join”. If you feel this is where God is leading you, just keep coming and get involved.

[Anonymous]

I’m a member of an Episocopal Church. I like being a member and feeling like part of the family.
We are expected to tithe but the amount you donate is up to you totally. Our priest even says during budget season to please tithe but if all you can give is your time that’s fine, it just helps them budget. Once you’re a member you feel invested in what goes on, which may or may not be what you’re looking for. If you’re just going on a Sunday there’s probably no reason to join that specific Church. If your kids do Sunday school or youth group, or you want to be on a committee that does outreach in the community then you might want to join, it’s not required though.
If you’re feeling pressure it might not be the right fit for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a member of an Episocopal Church. I like being a member and feeling like part of the family.
We are expected to tithe but the amount you donate is up to you totally. Our priest even says during budget season to please tithe but if all you can give is your time that’s fine, it just helps them budget. Once you’re a member you feel invested in what goes on, which may or may not be what you’re looking for. If you’re just going on a Sunday there’s probably no reason to join that specific Church. If your kids do Sunday school or youth group, or you want to be on a committee that does outreach in the community then you might want to join, it’s not required though.
If you’re feeling pressure it might not be the right fit for you.

I guess I didn't get the distinct sense that OP was getting pressured, though perhaps they felt pressured or other posters feel the pressure. To me it seemed pretty normal for the pastor to ask a returning visitor if they were interested in joining. OP can join or not - now, later or never. It's a personal choice

[Anonymous]

Depends on the denomination. There might be some educational classes about the denomination's beliefs to take. You'll be able to vote at church voter assemblies.

Don't feel rushed to become a member if you're still not sure. But if you're benefiting from church resources, it's good to contribute. Sounds like you're already doing that. 👍🏻

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the denomination. There might be some educational classes about the denomination's beliefs to take. You'll be able to vote at church voter assemblies.

Don't feel rushed to become a member if you're still not sure. But if you're benefiting from church resources, it's good to contribute. Sounds like you're already doing that. 👍🏻

Right, I always give when I'm away from home or at a special service.

[Anonymous]

It's time to become a member when you decide you want to do so. Not before.

Becoming a member requires the giving of time, talent and treasure. Tithing is the treasure part, and yes you are expected to tithe, but at my church you decided how much (and even though it was a relatively well off congregation, people tithed far less than the biblical 10%; which was a problem, but I digress).

[Anonymous]

When you say pastor, do you mean like Catholic or like a giant “nondenominational” Christian church where clergy don’t have actual divinity degrees? Responses will vary based on that answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you say pastor, do you mean like Catholic or like a giant “nondenominational” Christian church where clergy don’t have actual divinity degrees? Responses will vary based on that answer.

Maybe yours didn’t? All of mine had at least one divinity degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you say pastor, do you mean like Catholic or like a giant “nondenominational” Christian church where clergy don’t have actual divinity degrees? Responses will vary based on that answer.

Maybe yours didn’t? All of mine had at least one divinity degree.

In non-denominational churches pastors can just invent themselves - be filled with the spirit. No advanced degree necessary. As long as they can build a congregation, they can rake in the dough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you say pastor, do you mean like Catholic or like a giant “nondenominational” Christian church where clergy don’t have actual divinity degrees? Responses will vary based on that answer.

Maybe yours didn’t? All of mine had at least one divinity degree.

In non-denominational churches pastors can just invent themselves - be filled with the spirit. No advanced degree necessary. As long as they can build a congregation, they can rake in the dough.

I don’t know where you get this from. Every pastor at my nondenominational church has at least one degree. It’s a requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking about charismatic churches?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you say pastor, do you mean like Catholic or like a giant “nondenominational” Christian church where clergy don’t have actual divinity degrees? Responses will vary based on that answer.

Maybe yours didn’t? All of mine had at least one divinity degree.

In non-denominational churches pastors can just invent themselves - be filled with the spirit. No advanced degree necessary. As long as they can build a congregation, they can rake in the dough.

I don’t know where you get this from. Every pastor at my nondenominational church has at least one degree. It’s a requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking about charismatic churches?

At your non-denominational church, maybe, but not all of them.