Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Spirit of Peace Membership: 
 
Question #1: Aren't we all equal in Christ's Church?

Answer: By virtue of our baptism into Christ's death and resurrection, we are united with Him and become part of His Body which is the Church. Regardless of whether one belongs to a particular congregation, the family of God includes all who believe in Him and call Him Lord and Savior. You can be Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, or non-denominational and still belong to the same family of Christians.

Question#2: Why is membership in a particular congregation important?
 
Answer: Along with being the Body of Christ on earth, the Church is also an organization that involves membership. The goal of membership is not to separate those who belong from those who don't but rather as a way to make an investment in a particular place of ministry within the larger Church. A congregational member receives all the privileges of participation including holding office and voting on congregational issues. Membership is a sign of investment and commitment to ministry in a particular place with a particular people who share a particular mission.

Question #3: How is associate membership different from a regular membership?
 
Answer: Associate members are persons holding membership in other Lutheran congregations who wish to retain such membership but desire to participate in the life and mission of this congregation while being members of other congregations. They have all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Congregation Council.

Question #4: If I don't want to become a member or associate member, am I still welcomed?
 
Answer: Absolutely! Your participation in worship and other programs of this congregation is welcomed with the exception of voting rights and eligibility for elected offices (such as Church Council). Nonetheless, you are still welcomed to voice your opinion and influence congregation decisions through participation in discussions. As a gifted and valued child of God, you are a blessing to us and a brother/sister in Christ (see Question #1). If there are issues preventing you from becoming a member or associate member, it is a good thing to discuss these with the pastor in an effort to resolve them.

Question #5: How does the congregation benefit through my membership/ associate membership?
 
Answer: Besides being blessed by your commitment to ministry, you are included in the total number of members and associate members, a number which is important to maintain financial mission support from the ELCA. This Mission support by way of a grant is renewable for 3 years with the expectation that we will be developing as a congregation. One of the ways development is measured is through the number of people on our church roster.