Many people are connected with the New Church and the Writings of Swedenborg,
but haven't formally joined any organization associated with it. This is an
invitation for you to join our spiritual community in any way you'd like. It
will give you a say in the direction of the church, a church which can serve
the Lord by helping people to live happier, more productive lives. Of course,
you will still be more than welcome to participate even if you don't decide
to take any new steps now! The process described below is the process in our
denomination, the General Church of the New Jerusalem. Other New Church bodies
have different procedures. So here's how to become a member.
Spiritual Commitments
1. Baptism by a New Church minister
This is the most powerful step. Baptism is an introduction into the life of
the church. It represents our willingness to be "washed clean" by the Lord and
to be led by His truth. Baptism does not mean you agree with or understand everything
you have heard. It means you believe the basics: Jesus Christ is the one God;
you are supposed to live by what the Lord teaches in order to become a good
person; and that the Bible and Swedenborg's Writings are a revelation from the
Lord. If you can answer affirmatively to each of these questions you are ready!
If you have questions about what any of them means, please contact a minister.
Benefits - the benefits of baptism into the New Church are the most intangible,
but the most powerful. Commitments about beliefs really make a difference in
our lives. When we are willing to take a stand about what we believe, we change
how we view ourselves - baptism also changes our spiritual associations (the angels
and spirits who are with us). This is an important benefit. Find out more about
it if you have questions.
Process - consultation with a New Church minister, then a baptism service. It
can be public (at church, or with family & friends), or it can be private.
2. Confirmation
People who have been baptized as children can, as adults, confirm that commitment
their parents made.
Benefits - confirmation strengthens
the spiritual associations you have, and gives you a sense of taking charge
of your spiritual life. It is a useful way of defining your beliefs because
you can write out your beliefs in your own words for the service.
Process - talk to a New Church minister to set up a service.
Organizational Commitments
3. Join the General Church of the New Jerusalem
This is the organization involved with the day-to-day government of our denomination.
The head of this body is our executive Bishop, Peter Buss.
Benefits - General Church members can join a local congregation
and vote in all its proceedings. They can also serve on its boards. Members
of the General Church have the right to vote at church - wide General Assemblies,
specifically to vote for or against a nominee for bishop (or to remove one from
office if he needs to be).
Process - after baptism, you fill out a form (available from
most pastors). This is a routine procedure just your name, address and signature.
4. Join a local New Church congregation
Although you can participate in many aspects of local congregational life without
becoming a member, you can do it more fully by becoming a member
Benefits - elect members to the Board - serve on the Board - vote
on any matter placed before the congregation at an annual meeting - participate
more fully in the selection of a pastor when you need a new one - feel a greater
sense of ownership for all that the local congregation does you become a full
partner in all its activities.
Process - after becoming a member of the General Church, you
talk to the Pastor and sign the roll book. Individual congregations may have
additional requirements for membership.
5. Join the General Church Corporation
The General Church of the New Jerusalem is also a legally incorporated body
in the state of Pennsylvania which takes care of financial and legal matters
for the denomination. The Board controls the finances of the denomination (under
the guidance of the Bishop). You can join this too.
Benefits - participate in the nomination process for the General
Church Board - vote on nominations for the General Church Board.
Process - anyone who has been a member of the General Church
for three years can apply to become a member of the legally incorporated General
Church. You don't need to join a local congregation to do this - fill out a form.
This is a routine procedure.