From Pastor Jenny Weber:
Several individuals have inquired recently about what being a member of Faith United Methodist Church really means. What is the difference between a member and someone who is involved and attends regularly, but hasn’t made the commitment to join the congregation officially?
I would say the most important reason to join a congregation is because of the vows we make to God and one another. We commit our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness to God, the congregation, and the denomination. We pray for each other and those in our community, nation and world. We are present in worship on a regular basis and participate in the ministry of the church through our time, talents and financial resources. And finally, we commit to witnessing to others about our faith through the way we live.
In addition to being in a covenant relationship, there are some organizational realities. First, when you are a member you can vote at any Church Conference. A Church Conference is held annually, to vote on a variety of things like the pastor’s compensation and those who will serve in leadership. But a Church Conference is also held for major decisions like buying or selling property, merging with another congregation or closing, to name a few.
Second, membership impacts the ways we serve. Someone who is a regular participant can serve in almost any area of the church. But there is one committee of which you must be a member in order to serve, and that is The Staff Parish Relations Committee (basically our personnel committee).
Finally, our membership numbers are reported each year to the Northern Illinois Annual Conference to help determine representation. Each June, we currently have three individuals who represent us at Annual Conference. That number fluctuates depending on our membership. Furthermore, membership of all congregations in The Northern Illinois Conference determine how many delegates we are allowed at General Conference, which is the governing body of the denomination. Major decisions about our polity and theology are voted upon at this gathering held every four years.
If you have further questions about what it means to be a member of the church or wish to become a member, please contact me. pastor@faithumcop.org