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 Christian 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.

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.

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.

Membership process | Transfer of membership | Baptism
Intro to Redeemer Downtown Registration

The Membership process

There are four steps to become a Redeemer Downtown member.

Step 1: Intro to Redeemer Downtown and Christian Formation

This two and a half hour seminar will focus on:

  1. deepening attendees understanding of spiritual practices as a means of spiritual formation

  2. learning about the history and vision of Redeemer Downtown, acquainting attendees with its ministries and opportunities, and dialoguing with a pastor and other congregants on questions attendees may have about the church or Christian community. Register here.

Step 2: Membership application

Individual applications (spouses, please do your own application) must be completed before moving on to step three. You may begin and complete your membership application anytime. Please stay tuned.

*Steps 1 and 2 may be completed in any order. Please check the class registration schedule below to find out when they are being offered.

Step 3: Membership Interview

Meet with an elder (60 to 75 minutes) for your membership interview. Our staff and elders will work with you to schedule an appointment. If recommended for membership, your name will be submitted to the monthly Session meeting 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 as your vows. Upcoming vows and baptism dates are:

    If you have questions or need to schedule an interview, email Marie Sclafani.

    Transfer of membership

    You should notify your previous church when you decide you would like to become a member at Redeemer. Even if you are coming from another Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) church, you must go through all four steps listed above.

    Former churches may send a letter or certificate of transfer to:

    Membership Coordinator
    Redeemer Presbyterian Church Downtown
    150 W. 83rd St.
    New York, NY 10024

    For digital letters or certificates please email them to:

    [email protected]

    The letter or certificate should say:

    1. You are a member in good standing.
    2. They are releasing you into Redeemer’s spiritual care.

    Under our bylaws, Redeemer does not allow dual membership — that is, membership in both Redeemer and any other church at the same time, even if that church is a PCA church.

    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 in front of your affiliated congregation.

    Infant and child baptism
    Infants

    • Please read our overview of Redeemer’s position on infant baptism. Redeemer will baptize infants of church members.
    • Contact [email protected] to learn of upcoming dates and to register your infant for baptism. Please indicate your child's full name and date of birth.

    Older children

    • Redeemer will baptize your older child after he or she has made a made a profession of faith. Each congregation offers a Communicants Class at least once a year. Contact [email protected] for more information.

    Registration schedule


    Upcoming Intro to Redeemer Downtown and Christian Formation sessions:
    Our next scheduled Intro to Redeemer Downtown sessions are below. They are both in-person and over Zoom. You can register at downtown.redeemer.com/intro.

    If you have any questions about the Intro to Redeemer Downtown session, please email Marie Sclafani.