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[](#)[What does it mean to be a member?](https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-member)[](#)
[](#)[Renewing waters: How United Methodists understand baptism](https://www.umc.org/en/content/renewing-waters-how-united-methodists-understand-baptism) [](#)
[](#)[This Is Your Baptismal Liturgy](http://https//www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/this-is-your-baptismal-liturgy), a guide to the baptism ritual
By Water and the Spirit, the church's official statement on baptism[](#)

Becoming a United Methodist begins with a desire to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ as part of a local congregation. For United Methodists, being baptized and committing to active participation in a church community are the first steps to becoming a member.

Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. In baptism, we are initiated into the Christian church and incorporated into the community of God's people, the body of Christ. Those who have never been baptized will receive the sacrament of baptism before becoming members. Those previously baptized will reaffirm the Baptismal Covenant as part of their membership vows. 

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In those vows, we promise to faithfully live out the call to serve Christ through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.

Talk with a pastor about what it means to be a member and how to begin your faith journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

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This content was produced by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.

Updated on: 02/10/2024