"Why Join Old
Otterbein?"
We hear this question from
people who may have been coming to Old Otterbein faithfully
for years, but just never got around to attending a
membership orientation. Although Old Otterbein
makes an effort to make everyone feel welcomed –
whether members, regular attendees or visitors – it's
important that we can count on members to define and support
who we are as a congregation.
We are grateful for those who, for some reason,
choose not to officially join the church, but who are
nonetheless an integral part of our community. However, we
know that some have intended to become members, but simply
haven't gotten around to it.
The main reason for joining Old Otterbein (or any church)
is to commit to be a witness for Christ and to demonstrate
your commitment to the mission of the church. By
becoming a member, you join with other Old Otterbein members
in validating a ministry that is diverse, compassionate,
spirit-filled, welcoming and affirming to all.
The TOP 10 Reasons to become
an Old Otterbein member are:
- Baptism – If you are not
already baptized, becoming a member allows you to experience
this special sacrament of Christian faith. If you're already
baptized, membership reaffirms your baptism.
- Belonging – As a member,
you feel a sense of belonging to a faith-filled community, a
spiritual family where you are “at
home.”
- Affiliation – You don't have to
give up your membership at your church "back home" –
you can become an "Affiliate Member" at Old Otterbein.
This means that you keep your existing church membership
elsewhere, while recognizing Old Otterbein as your "church
home in Baltimore"
- Affirmation – There is
something very affirming about the membership process. You
learn about Methodism, about our history and our
perspectives. Most of all, you learn that Old Otterbein
wants you!
- Discipleship – In many
ways, Old Otterbein works to support you in becoming a
follower of Christ.
- Involvement – As we get to
know you better, we assist you in becoming involved in the
community in the ways that are best for you.
- Service – You can
participate more fully in the life of the church, lending
your voice to our congregation and your service to our
committees, missions and ministries.
- Connections – As a Old
Otterbein member, you meet new and interesting people and
discover common connections for your personal and
professional life.
- Visibility – Your
membership increases Old Otterbein's voice within the United
Methodist denomination to advocate for our vision of the
inclusive, affirming church.
- It's easy! – New member
orientation is usually just a single Sunday afternoon, and
new members usually join the following Sunday.
The next Old Otterbein Membership Exploration will
be held on Sunday, January 29th
at 12:40 pm in the Schell House.
Interested in joining Old
Otterbein?
Please fill out and return our
New Member Information Form.
Have questions?
Please contact Pastor Burgard
410-685-4703
pastor@oldotterbeinumc.org
