We are always thrilled to welcome new members! Twice a year we sponsor a series of classes (Inquirers' Classes) for persons who are considering becoming members. In these classes, they will learn more about Presbyterians in general and Seneca Presbyterian Church in particular. They also have a chance to meet others who are "new to the family" as well as long-standing members who can help them navigate the process of feeling at home among us.
In Presbyterian Churches, new members are received by the Session in a meeting called for just that purpose. Persons become members in one of three ways:
By Profession of Faith: when someone is declaring their faith in Jesus Christ for the first time, they "profess" what they believe as they become a member of the greater Church of Jesus Christ and Seneca Presbyterian Church. This profession can be accompanied by baptism if that person has not been baptized before. If someone was baptized as an infant or a child, but has not yet "confirmed" that faith for themselves, they would declare their faith in Jesus Christ as they join Seneca Presbyterian Church.
Letter of Transfer: when someone is moving their church membership from one Christian congregation to another, they would join by "letter of transfer." The other congregation does not need to be a Presbyterian one.
Reaffirmation of Faith: when someone has been a member of another Christian congregation but has been away from the last congregation of membership for some time, they would join by "reaffirmation of faith."