Interested in Becoming a Member?
There is a place for you here. Second is a place to grow and be nurtured in your faith, a place where long-lasting friendships can be built that will help you in your spiritual journey and encourage and strengthen you as you walk through rough places.
Joining a church is a big step, and we are delighted that you are interested in becoming a member of Second, we want to make sure that you know all you need to know about us, about our beliefs, and about the responsibilities that you will assume as a member. So with that in mind, our Session has determined that those who desire to become members will:
- Attend Inquirers
- Complete a Membership Application form
- Participate in an elder interview
- Stand for public affirmation of membership vows.
Inquirers
This class is offered three times a year, and you can choose which session is most convenient for you. Participants gather for a series of five sessions over a week that are designed to answer questions about the Christian faith, introduce Second and its ministries and provide an opportunity to know the leadership of the church. You are not obligated to join Second upon completion of the class; however, the class is required for church membership. For more information, contact the Inquirers Office at 454-0034, ext. 172 or email .
Membership Application
The application is available in the Inquirers manual and should be returned to the Inquirers Class Office upon completion of the class. No steps are taken to notify your former church or to schedule an elder interview until this application has been submitted.
Elder Interview
Two elders interview each Inquirer. This is a casual time of conversation where you will have the opportunity to share what God is doing in your life, and our elders will share a little about their lives and what God is doing at Second. They are here to assist you and help you as you come into this congregation.
After this interview takes place, your home church is contacted, should you have one.
We let them know that you have attended Inquirers and that you are moving towards membership. It is not necessary for you to seek a Letter of Transfer or any other correspondence from your prior church. We handle all of that for you.
Public Vows
Each Inquirers class has two scheduled opportunities for standing before the congregation as a group and assuming membership vows. The preferred date is usually on a Sunday morning at the 10:50 a.m. service. Our winter preferred date, however, is on Maundy Thursday evening (during Holy Week, the Thursday before Easter). Since some Inquirers may not be able to attend this initial date, a Sunday evening opportunity is offered as well. It usually falls two to three weeks after the earlier date.
Even though you have attended Inquirers and have been interviewed by our elders, you are not a member of Second until you affirm your membership vows publicly. The dates for assuming vows are generally six to eight weeks after completing Inquirers. This extended time is due to the paperwork that is required as we correspond with other churches confirming your membership and seeking Letters of Transfer.
