Ordinarily a person would not expect to begin the process described below until they have been involved regularly and actively in activities of the congregation as a sojourner for at least 3 months. This period of time will have allowed the candidate to become well acquainted with others in the congregation, to have experienced the life of the congregation in its several aspects, and to have attended one of the regularly scheduled orientation activities. Those who are interested in the possibility of membership, you may indicate this interest to the pastor and thus initiate the process described below:

Step One: Candidacy. If your desire is to become a member, you will be invited to meet with the pastor and one other member to discuss your interest in membership, and to come to clearness about your readiness to begin the process, including your readiness to undertake the expectations that are a part of the Covenant of Membership. When and if the three of you agree that you are ready, you will be introduced to the congregation as an Exploring Member.

Step Two: Exploring Membership. As an Exploring Member you will be assigned to a Covenant Member group, with one particular member of that group also assigned as your mentor. You will begin attending monthly meetings of the full membership as well as weekly meetings of your Covenant Member group. And of course you will observe the expectations that are a part of the Covenant of Membership.
You will remain as an exploring member for at least one year before you either come into full membership or discontinue the membership process. You may come to recognize, given the considerable responsibilities and expectations of membership, that you would be more appropriately involved in the life of the community as a Sojourner. Such a decision will be honored and affirmed by the members.

Step Three: Full Membership. After one year, unless issues have arisen regarding you’re ability to meet the expectations of membership, you will automatically become a full members. However, in conversations with you covenant group and/or the pastor, it may become clear that you will need to continue as an Exploring Member while working to improve your practice with reference to specific expectations that are a part of the Covenant of Membership.