We understand that everyone has had a different journey in seeking out or coming to know God. This journey may have taken you down many different turns and across many different bridges. Some of these paths may be things you regret, and others you rejoice over. Whatever the path, our responsibility as people of God is to work with you, meeting you where you are and helping you move to where our Lord and God desires you to be, which is growing in fellowship with Him.
Depending on where your journey has led you, joining our fellowship may involve more time or steps than another individual. In some cases, you may want to take more time in evaluating whether what is taught here agrees with God’s Word revealed in the Scriptures. In general though, the basics steps are as follows:
- Receive instruction
- Show a basic reception of that instruction
- Publicly affirm of what you have received
Below is some basic information on each of these steps.
1. RECEIVING INSTRUCTION
This process is known as “catechesis,” which is a Greek Word for teaching and instruction. Catechumens would be those who receive or hear that instruction. God has sent forth teachers to teach about Himself. From the beginning, the head of the household was the teacher. Later, God gave prophets and priests, and then sent Jesus, who sent His apostles and His people to carry His teaching. Those who heard had the chance to listen and compare what was said with the Scriptures to make sure they were being taught accurately and rightly Thus, as faithful Christians, we seek to teach adults and children God’s Word. We do not shy away from difficult topics but rather work to faithfully present our Lord’s teaching in a full but also basic way. We recognize that learning God’s Word is an on-going, lifetime process and so we focus on major articles of the faith and matters that become disputed or under attack in the world.
This is a great time to ask questions and explore God’s Word. Anyone who wants to receive this instruction is invited to do so; the only commitment here is your time. (This includes people who are unsure if they want to become members of our church, or who just want to explore the possibility).
2. SHOWING RECEPTION
Receiving the instruction involves hearing God’s Word taught and asking questions. If you didn’t review the Catechism (a written book of instruction in question and answer format), you will do so at this time. Then, you will show reception of that instruction by simply saying that you believe what you have been taught is God’s Word. The pastor may review some points with you or ask specific questions regarding whether you believe this or that point, both to see that the teaching was understood and to affirm what was taught to you. This is not a test but rather a way of affirming that we are unified in God’s Word as well as helping one prepare for communion at the Lord’s Table. We do, however, ask each catechumen to memorize the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer as these serve as a foundation for one’s Christian walk and life.
3. PUBLIC AFFIRMATION
This involves joining your voice with that of God’s people here. It is attaching yourself to the public confession/teaching of this congregation. For those who have been baptized, this involves a public declaration of their faith and intentions. For those who have not been baptized, this involves being baptized and publicly affirming the Lord’s teaching in that baptism.
QUESTIONS
Are there differences in receiving children and adults?
Yes. There are two main differences. First, is that children are received as part of a household. Once the head of the household consents to be a member in the church, the child will be received in accordance with the teaching of God’s Word. Second, as they grow older, they will go through instruction in God’s Word and have a chance to also profess their faith as they move toward adulthood and a more mature understanding of God’s Word. We take more time with children than adults to go through the catechesis process because they are maturing and growing into their faith rather than approaching it from an adult perspective.
What if I have already received instruction in Christian Doctrine before?
Sit down with the pastor and talk with him. Our desire is unity in God’s faith. Depending on the background and teaching you received, such instruction may involve a shorter period of time. If not, it is always for our benefit to spend more time in God’s Word and to grow. Not to mention, that the laying out of what is taught here also works to your advantage in assessing, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:10-11), what we are teaching before committing yourself to that teaching.
What if I am afraid to stand before the congregation and publicly declare the faith?
Ask for a meeting with the pastor. While our goal is a public declaration of faith, we understand that this presents a difficulty for some people. The pastor truly desires to work with people where they have a weakness and will explore other possible resolutions on an individual basis.
So, what if I’m interested in finding out more and either attending classes or meeting with the pastor? What should I do?
Just contact us and let us know whether you are interested in meeting with pastor or exploring God’s Word in the Basic Christian Doctrinal class, using the form below.