Membership process
Transfer of membership | Baptism

To be a member of a church is to make a public promise to live according to the Word and to support the work of the congregation. In the Bible this is called a covenant. Every believer is part of the church when we think about it as an organism (the Spiritual Body of Christ), but only by a public promise can someone be part of the church as an organization. A public promise, or covenant, is the basis for all society according to the Bible: marriage, employment, citizenship and church membership are all relationships of accountability.

Membership in a church is not like membership in a social club or other organization. Most organization members are consumers — the organization exists to serve them. The church of Christ is a completely different community — membership means ministry and service, going from being a consumer to becoming a provider of God’s love and care to others. At Redeemer, we take seriously that we are a church not for ourselves, but for others.

To be a member of a church is to make a public promise to live according to the Word and to support the work of the congregation.

The membership process


There are four steps to become a Redeemer member.

Step 1: Membership class
This four-hour class is where you will learn about the history and vision of Redeemer, acquaint yourself with its ministries and opportunities, and dialogue with Michael and other congregants on questions you may have about the church or Christian community. Here you will also be introduced to the Biblical foundations of our five membership vows. Each vow will be addressed in the class.

Step 2: Membership application
Following the class, you will be sent an online application to complete which is based off of the course material covered in Intro to Redeemer Lincoln Square. Individual applications must be completed before moving on to step 3.

Step 3: Membership interview
Meet with one of our pastors (45 to 60 minutes) for your membership interview. Our staff will work with you to schedule an appointment. If recommended for membership, your name will be submitted to the monthly Session meeting for approval. Married couples who both profess the Christian faith will interview together, and both spouses need to complete Steps One and Two to move on to the interview.

Step 4: Membership vows and baptism
Take your membership vows at a worship service. If you have not been baptized before, your baptism will be scheduled for the same service.

Questions or need to schedule an interview? Email [email protected]

Transfer of membership


You should notify your previous church when you decide you would like to become a member at Redeemer. Even if you are coming from another Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) church, you must go through all four steps listed above.

Former churches may send a letter or certificate of transfer to:

Membership Coordinator
Redeemer Presbyterian Church
1166 Avenue of the Americas, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10036

The letter or certificate should say:

You are a member in good standing.
They are releasing you into Redeemer’s spiritual care.

Under our bylaws, Redeemer does not allow dual membership — that is, membership in both Redeemer and any other church at the same time, even if that church is a PCA church.

Baptism


Adult baptism
If you have never been baptized before and would like to be, you will need to complete the church membership process at Redeemer first. Be sure to discuss your desire at your membership interview. This will allow you to be scheduled for baptism on the day you take your membership vows in front of your affiliated congregation.

Infant and child baptism
Infants

  • Please read our overview of Redeemer’s position on infant baptism. Redeemer will baptize infants of church members.
  • Contact [email protected] to learn of upcoming dates and to register your infant for baptism. Please indicate your child's full name and date of birth.

Older children

  • Redeemer will baptize your older child after he or she has made a made a profession of faith. We offer a Communicants Class at least once a year, and you can contact [email protected] for more information.