Central Church for Visitors and New Members

Central Church’s Congregation welcomes you!

As you enter through the doors at Central UMC, you will find yourself greeted by members of our church family with hospitality that we think you’ll find to be “radical”.  You will feel the warmth with which you are welcomed, whether you were invited or not, offered in a genuine and caring manner.  We are a very active congregation that is passionate about “Sharing Christ from the Heart of Beaver Falls”.

As you become involved in the many ways our Church reaches out into the community and in the many programs and ministries available, our hope is that you will experience a deepening of your faith and come to have a personal relationship with Jesus, the Christ.

As you exit the doors to Central Church, our prayer is that you are prepared to go out into the world proclaiming His love to a broken people and that you are equipped to share the hope that now lies within you.

All are welcome at Central Church!
Come worship with us on Sunday mornings and let us know of your interest in the Church; we can help you find activities that use your gifts in service to the Lord!

Traditional worship services are in the sanctuary at 11:00; Sunday School for all ages is held at 9:45.

May God bless you as you seek to find your role in our church family!  We receive new members by baptism, profession of faith, or transfer of membership from other United Methodist Churches or Christian denominations.

FAQs Membership and Baptism

Church Membership & Baptism

When it comes to baptism and membership in the church, many persons have all kinds of questions. Below you will find many of those questions and their answers. If you do not find what you are looking for or would like to talk about being baptized or church membership, please do not hesitate to contact us at centralumchurch@gmail.org.

Common questions about Church Membership and Baptism

What is membership?

Membership is the result of an individual’s profession of faith in God, the Father Almighty; maker of heaven and earth; in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit.  This is normally done during one of our regular worship services.  It is important to note that you do not need to be a member to participate in church activities and events!

How do I join the church?

Our doors are open for you! Come join us!

The process leading up to making a public profession of faith varies from church to church.  At Central Church, anyone interested in joining the church is encouraged to contact our pastor to start the conversation.

Individuals are received into the church either by profession of faith or transfer of membership.  Profession of faith describes those who are coming into the church without any previous history in any church.  Transfer of membership recognizes that an individual that was active in another Christian denomination or church has chosen to change that affiliation to this church.

Are there levels of membership?

The United Methodist Church does not have “levels” of membership but some categories for the purpose of distinction.  All children or youth who are baptized in the church are classified as Preparatory members.  Full members are those adults (and youth who are of age) who publicly profess their faith before the congregation (or transfer membership into the church).  Two seldom used categories are Affiliate membership and Associate membership.  Both are generally usually used by college students, military personnel or seasonal residents when they wish to be active in a local church due to a temporary relocation.

I am on the church mailing list. Does that mean I am a member?

Not necessarily.  It means that at some point, you participated in a church activity and provided your mailing information.  If you have not made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ before the congregation, you are considered a constituent rather than a member.  You may check your membership status by calling the church office.

How is baptism related to church membership?

In United Methodism, baptism is a Sacrament that reminds us of God’s grace that is at work in the life of every human being.  Anyone who wishes to become a member of a United Methodist Church MUST be baptized.  We believe that baptism, as a sacrament of initiation into the life of the church, is a one-time event that does not need to be repeated if performed in a Christian denomination.

Can I have my child baptized in the church if I am not a member?

The United Methodist Church practices infant baptism. Adult baptism is for adults who have never been baptized as an infant and are seeking membership in Central Church (we do not “re-baptize”).

At Central, it is expected that one or both parents, even if not members of the church, will be active in the life of the church.  Baptism places the child and parents, as well as the congregation, in a covenant relationship with God.

Therefore, a child’s parents are expected to profess their faith in God and promise to raise their child in the knowledge and love of God until that time when the child can profess his/her faith before the church.  This assumes that the parents will be active in the church so that they can fulfill these vows to the best of their ability.

The congregation also affirms its commitment to the family to help provide a community where the child and parents are nurtured in the Christian faith.

Can we have a private family baptism not at the church?

Once again, because baptism is a community act and celebration, this is normally discouraged, especially since the congregation also affirms its commitment to the family to help provide a community where the child and parents are nurtured in the Christian faith.

Can I have my wedding in the church if we are not members?

Non-members may celebrate their wedding in the church.  However, weddings celebrated in the church are understood as a covenant celebration uniting the man and woman in the presence, and with the blessing of, God.  As such, it is assumed that couples wishing to be married in the church are active in the church and growing in discipleship.

Can my membership be changed or terminated?

Yes, membership in the local church can be changed at the member’s request or by Charge Conference action.  Generally, membership is terminated by death, by transfer to another church, withdrawal at the member’s request, or by removal by the Charge Conference due to the member’s failure to uphold the membership vows.

What is the process for Charge Conference removal?

Because church membership recognizes the covenantal nature of our relationship with God and with others, we profess our faith in God and promise to uphold the church by our prayers, presence, gifts and service.

In other words, we promise to pray for the church, faithfully attend corporate worship and other opportunities to grow in discipleship, and to support the church both financially and with our abilities.

An individual is considered an “inactive” member when he/she has not fulfilled these vows by neither attending worship nor making a financial contribution for a year.  After this year, the member’s name may be presented to the Charge Conference for two consecutive years.  If, in the space of that two year period, the person does not attend worship or make a financial contribution, he/she may be removed from the membership roll.

Will I be notified of my membership status?

Typically, we contact to invite you to join us again in worship.  Generally, a member is not notified of the final Charge Conference action.

Can I rejoin the church if I am removed from membership?

Yes. The pastor may ask you to attend membership class again or can simply reinstate you in the membership rolls.