Establishing membership

Communicant membership in a congregation of our synod can come about by way of transfer from another congregation in our fellowship, adult confirmation or profession/affirmation of faith.

If an individual with a non-Lutheran background desires to become a communicant member of one of our congregations, a pastor would invite the person to attend the Bible information class (or one that is similarly named). There is no obligation to complete the course of instruction, but adult confirmation would be available to those who do so and confess that the instruction they have received is what the Bible teaches.

If an individual with a Lutheran background from outside our fellowship desires to become a communicant member of one of our congregations, a pastor would meet with the person and determine the best course of action to establish membership. One option would be to attend the Bible information class. Other options are available. Along with their pastors, our congregations enjoy some flexibility in determining how church membership is established.