Membership at Toowong Uniting Church
“Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.”
What does it mean to ‘belong’?
People come to TUC for a variety of reasons. Some are exploring faith, some are seeking a place to recover and rest from challenging experiences. Some are looking for a community in which they can participate and serve. Whatever brings you to TUC, we want you to know that you are welcome and, for whatever period of time you might be with us, you are part of the family.
Everyone is welcome to participate in any and all activities within the life of this church. In this sense, everyone who participates in worship, supports the church financially, gives their time and energy to its programs and activities and seeks to actively live out their faith might be informally considered to be a ‘member’ of this church.
However, the Christian Church is a dynamic blend of organism and organisation. As a Uniting Church, TUC operates within the regulations of the Uniting Church in Australia, following a number of processes and procedures to enable good governance. As such, the UC regulations define ‘membership’ in Uniting Churches to allow people to not only be involved in ministry activities, but also to fully participate in the more formal decision-making processes of the church. For example, ‘formal’ membership of the church is required to vote at Congregational Meetings or be an Elder or member of the Church Council.
How do you become a member?
1
If you have never expressed a public commitment of Christian faith, nor been baptised as an infant, you can be baptised.
2
If you have been baptised as an infant, but not confirmed as an adult, then you can ask to be confirmed. This will also automatically make you a member of the congregation
3
If you are a member of another Church (Uniting or otherwise), your membership can be transferred to TUC simply by sending an email to the church office, or by filling out the form below. This membership request will be passed onto the Church Council who will process your request at their next meeting.
4
If you are a member of a church in another denomination and wish to remain a member of that church, but still formally and fully participate at TUC, you can become a ‘member-in-association’. Once again, send the church office an email (or fill in form below) making this request.
We encourage you to pursue formal membership at TUC. We would love to have as many people as possible participating in all our decision-making processes, together discerning God’s plans and purposes.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with someone from the pastoral team.