Becoming a Member at Wellspring
At Wellspring Church, we view membership not simply as a formality but as a meaningful covenant—a public commitment to Christ and to His Church. The process is pastoral and relational, guided by the principles laid out in the Handbook of Doctrines and Disciplines of the Global Methodist Church (GMC), which affirms that the pastor has the responsibility and authority to determine membership eligibility. With that in mind, the path to membership at Wellspring varies depending on an individual’s background and spiritual journey.
- For Those Transferring from Another Church. If you are currently a member of another church or denomination recognized by the GMC as within the bounds of Christian orthodoxy, your membership can be transferred. However, before a formal transfer is submitted, you will meet with Pastor Matt. This one-on-one meeting serves as a personalized “membership class,” during which you will share your testimony of conversion and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about Wellspring Church or the Global Methodist Church. Once the transfer is complete, your membership is formally received and celebrated as outlined below.
- For Baptized Christians Without a Current Church Membership. If you are not transferring membership but have previously been baptized, the process is similar. Pastor Matt will meet with you (or with you and your spouse, if applicable) to hear your story and confirm your understanding of the gospel and your relationship with Christ. This pastoral conversation ensures that every member is someone who has experienced saving faith and desires to be part of the life and mission of Wellspring Church.
- For Non-Christians Seeking Baptism and Membership. If you are not yet a Christian but feel led to follow Christ and become part of the church, the process includes a period of intentional preparation and discipleship. Pastor Matt will meet with you multiple times as needed. During this time, you will be invited to read Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, which serves as a foundation for conversation about the Christian faith. These discussions center on the gospel, Christ’s work, and the nature of Christian discipleship, ensuring that you fully understand the decision you’re making in turning to Christ and joining His Church. Once ready, you will be baptized and then welcomed into membership.
- Public Acknowledgment of Membership. New members are formally received during a worship service through a membership litany, in which the entire congregation participates. This public acknowledgment is both a celebration and a covenant between the new members and the church body. In most cases, we wait until there is a group of at least four new members before scheduling a membership litany. Once the group is in place, we coordinate a Sunday morning service that works for all involved.
As part of our welcome process, we also:
- Take individual or family photos to share on social media as a way of introducing new members to the broader church family.
- Update your status to “Member” in our church database (Shelby).
- Provide a Membership Welcome Packet, which includes:
- A personal welcome letter from Pastor Matt
- A church prospectus explaining our mission, values, and ministry opportunities
- A gift book to support your continued spiritual growth
If you are interested in becoming a member or beginning the conversation, please reach out to Pastor Matt at membership@wellspringms.church to schedule a time to meet. We would be honored to walk with you on this journey of faith and belonging.