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.

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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.

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Membership Process

There are four steps to become a Redeemer member.

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Step 1: Intro to Redeemer East Harlem
In this class you will learn about the history, theology, and mission of REH. To join our next class, register here.
 

Step 2: Membership application
The membership application is found online at https://my.redeemer.com/OnlineReg/7649. Individual applications must be completed before moving on to step three.

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Step 3: Membership Interview
Meet with an elder 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 (our body of elders) for approval. Married couples who both profess the Christian faith will interview together. Both spouses need to complete steps one, two, and three individually to move on to the interview.
 

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

Questions about becoming a member or need to schedule an interview? Email: eastharlem@redeemer.com

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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 at a worship service.

Infant Baptism

Redeemer will baptize infants of church members. Please read our overview of Redeemer’s position on infant baptism. Contact eastharlem@redeemer.com to register your infant for baptism. Please indicate your child's full name and date of birth.

Youth Communicants

Redeemer will baptize your older child after he or she has made a profession of faith. Please read an overview of our Communicant class info. For questions any questions, email eastharlem@redeemer.com