How does one become a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Olney?

First Presbyterian Church is a church that welcomes all people – friends, neighbors, visitors – to worship here and participate in our programs and events. We encourage those who feel God’s call to become a member of the congregation to do so when the time is right.

Membership for All
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, membership in the church is available to you.

If you are a new follower of Jesus and want to become a member, talk to our pastor or one of our elders to get started.

If you are an adult and have not been baptized, you may receive the sacrament of baptism and become a member. If you can’t remember if you have been baptized or are on the membership roll of another church, we can work that out and you can become a member.

If you are a member of another church, you can transfer your membership here.

Children of members often become members by attending confirmation class as teens, typically at age 13-14.

Becoming a Member
Generally, becoming a member is a four-step process.

1. Visit – Participate in worship and other events for some time and listen for God’s call.

2. Conversation with the Pastor – The pastors provide new member inquiry classes for adults as needed and confirmation classes for youth – typically every other year.

3. Meet the Session – The church board (Session), which is made up of our elders, will meet with you briefly to welcome you.

4. Profession of Faith – During worship you will be baptized (if not already baptized) and will be invited to profess or affirm your faith in Jesus Christ. (We’ll ask you to respond with “yes” or “no” to a few questions.)

Youth Confirmation Class
Youth, ages 13–14, are invited to attend a confirmation class to become members of the church. Classes provide a rich background of the meaning and purpose of having faith in Jesus Christ. The pastor and other volunteers lead the class and the youth ask lots of questions. Upon completion, youth are much more able to make a sincere, personal, and public profession of faith.

Information about Baptism and Profession of Faith

Here are the questions you’ll be asked before Baptism and/or becoming a member…

  • Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil in the world?

  • Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love?

  • Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love?

  • Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, share in its worship and ministry through your prayers and gifts, your study and service, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Baptism marks the beginning of one’s spiritual journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ. We baptize infants, children, and adults. We believe in one baptism for the remission of sin and as a divine welcome into the family of God. We honor baptisms received in other churches in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and do not “re-baptize.” We baptize by the sprinkling of water or by immersion. Baptism is a sacrament celebrated in public worship and is not provided in private settings. Baptism is administered by ordained pastors.