> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://umconnect.crisp.help/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# What We Believe How We Serve Ways We Grow Who We Are News and More New to the UMC? Donate 
            Share
        Learn more Have questions?  We have answers!
        Follow

## Learn more 

*   [](#)[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](https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/by-water-and-the-spirit-full-text), 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](https://www.umc.org/en/content/our-united-methodist-vows). 

## Have questions?  We have answers!

Ask your questions and check out more FAQS.

[ASK](https://www.umc.org/ask-the-umc-form) [FAQS](https://www.umc.org/en/what-we-believe/ask-the-umc-faqs)

In those vows, we promise to faithfully live out the call to serve Christ through our [prayers](/en/content/a-promise-to-pray-honoring-our-united-methodist-vow), [presence](http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/the-blessings-of-presence-honoring-our-united-methodist-vow), [gifts](http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/share-your-gifts-honoring-our-united-methodist-vow), [service](http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/serving-god-and-others-honoring-our-united-methodist-vow) and [witness](http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-it-means-to-witness-honoring-our-united-methodist-vow).

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. 

* * *

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