How to Join

Whether or not your church background is “Presbyterian,” we welcome you to our congregation!

God calls us to worship Him, to be in regular fellowship with one another, and to serve. You do not need to be a member of our church in order to do any of these — but many have found that formally uniting with a local church body is a commitment that brings to them a sense of belonging, the challenge to grow in their faith, and an opportunity to use their talents and experience in the service of God. It’s exciting to be a part of something so much bigger than we are!

Membership Option 1: Full Membership

You may join First Presbyterian Church as a full member through:

• Profession of Faith — if you have never been a member of a Christian church but wish to do so now
• Reaffirmation of Faith — if a previous membership has lapsed and you wish to renew your vows with this congregation
• Letter of Transfer — if you wish to transfer a current membership from another congregation

Membership Option 2: Affiliate Membership

A popular option is to join as an affiliate member, which allows you to formally unite with our congregation while retaining your full membership in your home church. Affiliate members are entitled to all the rights of membership except voting in congregational meetings and holding office. Through our many affiliate members, First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs enjoys ties of affection with many other Christian faith communities throughout the United States.

Classes

All new members (full and affiliate) are asked to participate in one of the regularly scheduled membership classes. Even for the life-long Presbyterian, participation in this class is a chance to connect with others who are new, get to know the pastors, and learn about the many opportunities for fellowship and service that are unique to this congregation.

Membership (or “Inquirers”) classes are sponsored by the Membership Committee and offered approximately six times a year. Our current, simplified format is appealing to everyone. Classes are offered on Sundays, immediately after the worship service (the 11:00 AM service during the winter season). Only 2½ hours in length, the class covers what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be Presbyterian and what it means to be a member of First Church. You’ll also enjoy a simple buffet lunch provided by the Committee and hear the pastors’ personal testimonies. At the conclusion of the class, those interested in joining will meet briefly with representatives of the Session.

Stop at the Welcome Desk on Sunday mornings to inquire about when the next class is scheduled and/or sign up. You may also contact us via email:

Finding Your Place

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

God has given each of us gifts and talents to use in His service. In a church this size, we strongly encourage all members to get involved and “find their place.” Service and fellowship opportunities abound. There is a place for you that is just the right match for your gifts, experience and availability. Whether it’s serving coffee on Sunday mornings, singing in a choir, visiting the homebound, serving on a committee, creating a worship banner, helping in the Thrift Shop, or going on a mission trip, this congregation will be richer and more fruitful in its service to the Lord for your being a part of it.

Those new to First Church are asked to carefully review the “Finding Your Place” brochure (available in the literature racks and at the Welcome Desk) to discover how they can effectively get connected and joyfully serve in their new church home.

Our Hopes for Our Members

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

It is the desire of the leaders of First Church that all who join our fellowship will find their church experience to be meaningful and rewarding. In addition to regularly attending our weekly worship services to receive spiritual uplift and encouragement, we also hope that members will:

• Be committed to growing in their faith, knowing God more deeply
• Find a meaningful place to serve the Lord through serving others
• Give generously of their personal resources to support the work of the church
• Pray for our ministry and the special needs of others in our church family

Becoming a full or affiliate member does not obligate anyone to a certain level of activity, and there are no membership dues or attendance requirements. All members are encouraged to find the right level of involvement for themselves and their current place in life.