Want to join the Immanuel Family?
1. What is church membership all about?
Being a member of a church/congregation is not just tying yourself to the phrase, "___________ church is the church I go to." Its a about being a member of the Body of Christ in that place. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 12 where he basically says that we are all baptized into one body, and that in this body we all support and help each other. Therefore, church membership is about being a part of the communion (community) of Christ. We like to call it the "Family" at Immanuel. You are not just joining yourself to a name, but a family of people who worship and serve together.
2. What are the benefits of being a member of the church?
The easiest answer is care. By being a member of the body of Christ at Immanuel, you will be assigned an Elder (Spiritual Adviser) who will walk with you through life's joys and hardships. You will also join a communion of faith. We may have different understandings of different things and struggle through the teachings of the church, but we share a communion of faith in one doctrine (teaching). In this sharing of one faith, we share then also in true unity and communion of Christ. It is then through this unity that the members of this Body come together and participate in what is call the Lord's Supper. Because we are one in the faith and have he completes and keeps that unity by giving us the blessings of Communion in the Lord's Supper.
3. How do I join?
By filling out the below form, or by coming into the office and talking with a pastor.
Then attending a series of classes on the doctrines of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (the church body that Immanuel belongs to) and intricacies of how to get involved in the life of Immanuel.
After completing those classes and professing your faith before the congregation, you will become a "member" of the family at Immanuel. All during this time, we will see you at worship and other service opportunities that Immanuel provides.