We Extend a Welcome To You at
Lexington Presbyterian Church
120 S. Main Street
Lexington, VA 24450
William M. Klein, Pastor
Phone: 540-463-3873 Fax: 540-463-1885
Lexington Presbyterian - Becoming a Member
Although we are pleased to welcome long-term visitors and incorporate them into the life of the church, most choose at some point to become members. If you are considering joining our church, your first step may be to attend our Explore class, although this is not required for membership. Attending this class does not obligate you in any way.
Additional information on this page is from the Book of Order.
Membership Details
| Explore Class | Membership Categories | Becoming a Member of a Congregation |
Membership Categories
There are four categories of membership defined by the Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order:
Baptized member
A person who has received the Sacrament of Baptism and who has been enrolled as a baptized member by the session but who has not made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Such baptized members are entitled to the pastoral care and instruction of the church, and to participation in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Active Member
A person who has made a profession of faith in Christ, has been baptized, has been received into membership of the church, has voluntarily submitted to the government of this church, and participates in the church's work and worship. An active member is entitled to all the rights and privileges of the church, including the right to participate in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, to present children for baptism, to take part in meetings of the congregation, and to vote and hold office. Other conditions of active membership that meet the needs of the particular church and are consistent with the order and confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) may be adopted by the session after careful study and discussion with the congregation.
Inactive Member
One who does not participate in the church's work and worship. An inactive member is entitled to all the rights and privileges of an active member except the right to speak in the meetings of the congregation and to vote and hold office.
Affiliate Member
An active member of another church of this denomination or of another denomination or Christian body, who has temporarily moved from the community where the church of active membership is situated, has presented a certificate of good standing from the appropriate governing body of that church, and has been received by the session as an affiliate member. An affiliate member is entitled to all the rights and privileges of an active member except the right to vote and hold office.
Becoming a Member of a Congregation
There are three ways to join a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as defined by the Book of Order:
Profession of Faith
The candidate must publicly answer the following questions:
- Do you know yourself to be sinful in God's eyes and deserving of God's displeasure?
- Do you believe in the risen Jesus as the Christ, the deliverer of sinners who alone offers salvation to you?
- Do you vow to live with Holy Spirit making every effort to serve as a follower of Jesus Christ?
- Do you promise to be under the leadership and authority of our church government as it is duly constituted, and do you promise to work for the purity and peace of the church?
- Do you promise to be a faithful member of this congregation, giving of yourself in every way, and so fulfilling your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ the Lord?
If someone has been baptized but was never "confirmed," it is appropriate to make a public profession of faith. As well, if someone has not been baptized, then baptism will accompany a profession of faith.
Certificate of Transfer
We receive into membership anyone who is in good and regular standing in an evangelical church by a "letter of transfer." We do not require re-baptism, but accept as valid any baptism administered by an ordained minister in the name of the Triune God. The pastor of this church will write for your church letter.
Re-affirmation of Faith
Those who cannot secure a certificate of transfer or who are inactive and wish to make a fresh beginning in the Christian life by re-dedicating her or himself to God are received on her or his own statement of faith in Christ (responding to the five questions above).