Membership in the local church is essential for personal growth and for developing a deeper commitment to the will and grace of God. As members involve themselves in private and public prayer, worship, the sacraments, study, Christian action, systematic giving and holy discipline, they grow in their appreciation and understanding of God at work in the world through Jesus Christ. We encourage and invite you to be moving toward membership in the Rome First family.

Becoming a Member

There are a number of ways to become a part of the congregation of Rome First United Methodist Church. The two most common forms of membership are by Transfer of Letter or by Profession of Faith. Transfer of Letter means that you are currently a member of another church and want to place your membership at Rome First. We accept the rich heritage of faith you bring with you. If you are coming from another United Methodist Church, or any other Christian denomination, you do not have to be re-baptized. We ask all persons transferring their membership one question of church loyalty.

Transfer of Letter

• Will you uphold the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?

Profession of Faith

For persons, whether baptized or not, who have never belonged to a church. We ask persons who seek membership through profession of faith these questions.

• Do you truly and earnestly repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

• Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; and in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life?

• Do you promise, according to the grace given to you, to keep God’s holy will and commandments and to walk in the same all the days of your life?

Entrance into the church is acknowledged in Baptism and may include persons of all ages. Baptism is understood by the United Methodist Church as the act of God through the church in which a person is claimed as God’s own and is initiated into the family of God. Adults who wish to be baptized on profession of faith, or parents who wish to present their children for baptism, are invited to call the church office and arrange a meeting with one of our ministers.

There are two other categories of membership called Affiliate and Associate members. If you are a United Methodist from a distant community who is going to be in our community for an extended time, you may affiliate with Rome FUMC without actually transferring membership from your home church. Associate membership offers this same courtesy to those who are members of other denominations under the same conditions.

A series of classes entitled “So you want to be United Methodist” are regularly offered. This three week series is designed for those who want to know more about membership, Methodism or Rome First. Contact the church office for times and location of the next classes.

Members are received at Rome First UMC each Sunday during the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services. Simply contact the church office (706-291-8590) or our pastor to express your desire for membership.

When persons unite with Rome First United Methodist Church, they make known their desire to live their daily lives as disciples of Christ. They covenant together with God and other members to keep the vows which are a part of the church universal.