Becoming a member of a church is an exciting step in your spiritual journey.  It can also be a scary step.  By joining a church, we publicly say that we believe that there is a God and that he cares about us and has a plan for each of us.  And we promise to try to live our lives in such a way that shows others that we have experienced God’s love.

If you’ve never made a public commitment of Christian faith by joining a church, we can help you as you decide to take this important step.  Some churches require you to believe a list of certain things before you join, or take a membership class, or take some specific action to prepare.  We simply ask that you pray.  If you have faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the person God chose to reach out and offer salvation to all people, you are a Christian and we invite you to join our congregation.  You may do so by coming forward during the “Invitation to Christian Discipleship” time in Sunday worship or after consultation with the pastor.  If you have never been baptized, we will schedule an opportunity for you to experience this ancient practice which has signified one’s joining the church since the time of Jesus.

If you’ve been a member of another church, you simply need to express your desire to join our congregation by coming forward during the “Invitation to Christian Discipleship” time in Sunday worship or after consultation with the pastor.  If you’ve been baptized before, there is no need to be baptized again.  While the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) practices “believer’s baptism” or adult baptism, we recognize and affirm all forms of Christian baptism.

When you express your desire to join Central Christian, you will be asked two questions.  First, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ and your personal savior?”  We believe that this is the simplest and most complete definition of a Christian.  When you say yes, the second question follows: “Have you been baptized?”  If the answer is yes, we will recognize your baptism and welcome you as a member.  If the answer is no, we will ask: “Are you willing to be baptized?”  If the answer is yes, we will welcome you as a member and your baptism will be scheduled for an upcoming Sunday.