We are delighted that you are interested in exploring membership at Highland Presbyterian Church! The session ordinarily meets on the third Wednesday evening of each month to receive new members, as well as occasionally on Sunday mornings (Let Dr. Fair know if this time is better for you.). Individuals wishing to join introduce themselves to the elders, elected members of the congregation, and join by Profession of Faith and Baptism (for those who have never been baptized), by Reaffirmation of Faith (for those who are not currently active members of another Christian church), or by Transfer of Church Letter (for those on the active role of another church, either in Louisville or elsewhere in the United States). For those who are in Louisville on a short-term, temporary basis, Affiliate Membership is an option. This category is especially appropriate for college students. Following joining the church, your picture will be taken and you will be recognized in worship the following Sunday.
Joining by Profession of Faith
When a person who has never been baptized wishes to unite with Highland Presbyterian Church, he or she is received by Profession of Faith and the service of baptism is scheduled. In a meeting of the session, the governing body of the local church, the person is asked three questions:
1. Do you profess faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
2. Do you look to him for your salvation?
3. Dependent upon the grace of God, do you seek to serve him through this congregation?
After giving an affirmative answer to each of these questions, a motion is made and seconded to receive the person into full, active membership of Highland Presbyterian Church, pending baptism. The date for their baptism is then set (as soon as the following Sunday). Baptism in the Presbyterian Church (USA) always takes place during a regular worship service of the congregation. One reason for this is that all the members of the church promise to nurture the new believer in the faith and help him/her to learn about Jesus Christ.
Joining by Reaffirmation Of Faith
When a person who has been but is not currently a member of a Christian church -- or a person who belongs to a church that does not transfer letters -- wishes to unite with Highland Presbyterian Church, he or she is received by Reaffirmation of Faith. In a meeting of the session, the governing body of the local church, the person is asked three questions:
1. Do you profess faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
2. Do you look to him for your salvation?
3. Dependent upon the grace of God, do you seek to serve him through this congregation?
After giving an affirmative answer to each of these three questions, a motion is made and seconded to receive the person into full, active membership of Highland Presbyterian Church.
Joining by Transfer Of Church Letter
When a person who is currently a member of another Christian church wishes to unite with Highland Presbyterian Church, he or she is received by Transfer of Church Letter. After stating the name and location of the church where the person is currently a member, a motion is made and seconded to receive the person into the full active membership of Highland Presbyterian Church. The clerk of session contacts the individual's former church to notify it of your desire and the necessary paperwork is exchanged.
Joining as an Affiliate Member
Affiliate memberships are for those in Louisville on a short-term basis who are active church members elsewhere. Especially appropriate for college students, an affiliate membership gives a person a home away from home while he or she maintains active status in one's home church. Affiliate membership carries all the privileges of active membership except the right to vote in congregational meetings and hold church office. The process for becoming an affiliate member is simple. Speak with the pastor and she will be happy to introduce you to the church session at a regular stated meeting (ordinarily on the third Wenesday of every month) or at a called meeting on a Sunday morning.