Membership
Why should I join Trinity?
How does someone become a member?
What does membership mean?
What happens in the new member class?
How do I get started?
Becoming Part of the Body of Christ at Trinity
A Congregation Centered on Christ
At Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, we believe that the Church is more than an organization—it is the Body of Christ, gathered by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel and sustained by God's gifts of Word and Sacrament.
Together we seek to:
Glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
Grow together in the Christian faith through worship, study, and fellowship.
Serve our neighbors with Christ's love and mercy.
Remain faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
Everything we do is centered on Christ and His saving work for sinners.
Why Join a Congregation?
Christian faith is not meant to be lived in isolation.
Through His Church, Christ gathers His people around His Word and Sacraments, where He forgives sins, strengthens faith, and encourages believers through their life together.
The first Christians "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). We seek to continue that same pattern of Christian life together.
Joining Trinity is a public confession that you desire to live as part of Christ's Church, growing in His Word and sharing in the life of this congregation.
As St. Peter writes:
"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession." (1 Peter 2:9)
Becoming a Member
Membership at Trinity is received in several ways:
Holy Baptism, for those who have not yet been baptized.
Transfer, for members of congregations in fellowship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Profession of Faith, for Christians from other church backgrounds who desire to confess the Lutheran faith.
Reaffirmation of Faith, for those returning to active participation after a time away from the Church.
Children who have been baptized in another Christian congregation may also be received into membership with the consent of their parents.
Those interested in membership are encouraged to speak with the pastor. Depending on your previous church background, a period of instruction may be recommended before joining the congregation.
Living as a Member of Christ's Church
Membership is both a privilege and a joyful responsibility.
Members of Trinity seek to:
Hear and study God's Word faithfully.
Receive Christ's gifts regularly in the Divine Service through His Word and Sacraments.
Pray for one another and encourage one another in the faith.
Serve Christ with the time, abilities, and resources He has entrusted to them.
Support the congregation's mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
Walk together in Christian love, offering and receiving encouragement and, when necessary, loving correction according to God's Word.
Because membership is a confession of faith, members also strive to avoid beliefs and practices that are contrary to the teaching of Holy Scripture.
New Member & Refresher Class
Whether you are exploring Christianity, coming from another church tradition, returning to the faith, or simply wishing to review the basics, our New Member & Refresher Class is designed to help you grow in confidence in God's Word.
Using Luther's Small Catechism, we study the foundational teachings of the Christian faith, including:
The Ten Commandments
The Apostles' Creed
The Lord's Prayer
Holy Baptism
Confession and Absolution
The Lord's Supper
Along the way, we also discuss Christian prayer, vocation, stewardship, worship, and the distinctive teachings and practices of the Lutheran Church.
Classes are offered whenever someone is interested, allowing instruction to proceed at a pace that encourages conversation and questions.
What Should I Bring?
Nothing except yourself.
We will gladly provide:
A Bible (if you need one)
Luther's Small Catechism
Class materials
A hymnal for use during instruction
Our goal is to make learning God's Word as welcoming and accessible as possible.
Ready to Learn More?
We would love to meet you.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Trinity, have questions about the Lutheran faith, or would simply like to learn more about Christianity, please contact the church office or speak with Pastor Crown.
Whether you have been a Christian your entire life or are just beginning to explore the faith, you are welcome to join us as we gather around God's life-giving Word and Sacraments.