Join Us on New Member Sunday!
We're inviting people who are considering membership to join McPherson First United Methodist Church on New Member Sunday! During both worship services (8:30 AM and 10:15 AM), we'll celebrate with everyone who wants to become part of our church family.
At McPherson First, we're forming disciples of Jesus Christ who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. If you've been worshiping with us and want to make this your church home, we'd love to welcome you as a member.
Ready to join? Complete our interest form to get started, and Pastor Andrew will reach out to schedule a conversation.
What is Church Membership?
Membership isn't about checking a box or adding your name to a list. It's about making a commitment—to God, to this community, and to your own spiritual growth. When you become a member, you're saying: "This is my church family. I'm choosing to grow here, serve here, and be accountable here."
At the same time, we're making a commitment to you. We promise to support you in your faith journey, surround you with a community of love and forgiveness, and help you discover how God is calling you to live.
As a member, you can vote in church meetings and serve on our Leadership Board. But more importantly, membership formalizes the relationship and deepens the mutual commitment between you and this community as we all grow as followers of Jesus. Most serving, learning, and faith formation opportunities at McPherson First are open to everyone, member or not.
Transferring from Another Church?
If you're already a member of another United Methodist church or another Christian denomination, we'd love to welcome you! The process is the same as for other new members—you'll meet with Pastor Andrew and answer the same membership questions during the service. Your previous baptism is recognized, so there's no need to be baptized again.
Baptism and Membership
All church members have been baptized. If you haven't been baptized yet, we can include that as part of joining the church.
Baptism is a sacrament that marks your entrance into the Christian community. Through water and the Holy Spirit, baptism celebrates God's unconditional love for you and your commitment to following Jesus. The water represents new birth and cleansing. People of all ages can be baptized—from infants to adults—and you only need to be baptized once. We recognize baptisms from all Christian churches.
About Confirmation
If you were baptized as a child, confirmation is when you claim that faith for yourself. At McPherson First, youth typically go through confirmation in 8th grade. During confirmation, students learn about Christian faith, explore their personal beliefs, work with an adult mentor, and participate in service projects. At the end, they choose whether to confirm their baptism and become members. Contact us if you'd like to learn more about confirmation for your child.
The Five Membership Promises
When you join McPherson First UMC, you commit to five spiritual practices that shape how we grow as disciples:
PRAYERS: Connecting with God Strengthen your relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and listening. Set aside daily time for conversation with God and keep a list of people and situations you're praying for.
PRESENCE: Showing Up Be present in worship and church life to grow spiritually and build relationships. Attend worship weekly and join a small group, class, or Grace Group where you're known and can grow.
GIFTS: Giving Financially Give financially to support the church's mission and express gratitude to God. Set up regular giving and choose a percentage of your income to give, growing toward a tithe (10%) over time.
SERVICE: Helping Others Find where you're called to serve and give yourself to it. Volunteer in at least one church ministry and participate in service projects that put faith into action.
WITNESS: Sharing Faith Naturally invite others and live your faith visibly. Share through words and actions how God is working in your life, and welcome others to experience God's love.
These practices aren't about perfection—they're about growing together in faith, each at our own pace, supporting one another along the way.
Grace Groups: Growing Together
At McPherson First, we continue the original Methodist tradition of small groups through Grace Groups—micro-communities of 6–8 people who watch over one another in love. Each week, you gather to share honestly about your faith journey using three simple questions:
How is your faith journey going? (Soul Tending) Where do you see God at work in your life? (God Sightings) What's one challenge you're facing that you need to give to God? (Growing in Grace)
Grace Groups are a natural next step for new members and anyone ready to go deeper. Contact the pastors or church office to find a group that fits your schedule.
How to Join
Express Interest: Complete our interest form at least two weeks before New Member Sunday.
Meet with Pastor Andrew: He'll contact you to schedule a time to talk about membership, review the five promises, and walk through the questions you'll answer during the service.
Join on New Member Sunday: We'll welcome you as a new member during worship and celebrate with the whole congregation. Arrive 10–15 minutes early and sit near the front. Invite family and friends!
Stay Connected: Update your contact information so we can keep you informed and connected. We'll help you find ministries, Grace Groups, and serving opportunities that match your gifts and interests.
Ready to Join?
Please complete our interest form so Pastor Andrew has time to meet with you beforehand.
We can't wait to celebrate with you and officially welcome you into our church family!