Table of Contents
- What membership means at First OPC Sunnyvale
- Why church membership matters (biblical basis)
- The membership process step by step:
- Attend worship regularly
- Meet with the pastor
- Attend the membership class
- Examination by the Session
- Public profession of faith/transfer of membership
- Membership vows (explained)
- FAQ
Membership classes
- Overview of the class content
- Schedule (when offered, how many sessions)
- Topics typically covered:
- The Gospel
- The Bible
- Reformed theology and the Westminster Standards
- Church history and the OPC
- Worship and the sacraments
- The Christian life
- Church government and membership vows
- How to sign up
Becoming a Member
Why Membership Matters
The New Testament knows nothing of a solitary Christian. When God saves someone, he brings them into a community — the church. Membership at First OPC Sunnyvale is how we express that commitment to one another. It is how we say, “I belong to this body, and this body belongs to me.”
As a member, you commit to worshiping regularly with the congregation, submitting to the teaching and oversight of the elders, using your gifts to serve, and supporting the work of the church with your prayers, your presence, and your giving. In return, the elders commit to caring for your soul, teaching you God’s Word faithfully, and walking with you through every season of life.
Membership is not a formality. It is a covenant relationship — a mutual commitment between you and the people of God in this place.
The Path to Membership
Becoming a member of First OPC Sunnyvale is a simple but meaningful process:
1. Worship with us.
The best way to get to know a church is to worship with them. Come on Sundays, attend the Wednesday prayer meeting, and join us for fellowship. Take the time you need.
2. Meet with a pastor.
When you’re ready to explore membership, reach out to one of our pastors. They will meet with you to get to know you, hear your story, answer your questions, and explain what membership involves.
3. Attend the membership class.
We offer a membership class that walks through the essentials of the Christian faith, the distinctives of Reformed theology, the history of our church and denomination, and the meaning of the membership vows. This class is valuable even if you’ve been a Christian for a long time — it's a chance to build a shared foundation with the rest of the congregation.
4. Meet with the Session.
Before becoming a member, you’ll have a conversation with the Session (the body of elders). This is not an exam — it’s a pastoral conversation. The elders want to hear your testimony of faith in Christ, understand where you are in your walk with God, and welcome you into the life of the church. Many people find this to be one of the most encouraging parts of the process.
5. Be received into membership.
Members are received publicly during a worship service. Depending on your background, you may be received by profession of faith and baptism, by reaffirmation of faith, or by transfer from another church.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member to attend?
Not at all. Everyone is welcome at our worship services and ministries. Membership is for those who are ready to commit to this congregation as their church home.
Do I need to agree with everything in the Westminster Confession?
Members are not required to subscribe to the Westminster Confession in the way that officers do. You will be asked to affirm the basic truths of the Christian faith and to commit to the membership vows. If you have questions about specific doctrines, the pastors are happy to discuss them with you.
What are the membership vows?
The OPC membership vows are brief and straightforward. You will be asked to affirm your faith in Jesus Christ, your commitment to the Scriptures, your submission to the government of this church, and your intention to support the church’s worship and work. The pastors will walk through each vow with you before you take them.
What if I was a member of another church?
If you are a member in good standing at another Christian church, you may be received by transfer. We can help coordinate this with your previous church.
How long does the process take?
There is no set timeline. Some people move through the process in a few weeks; others take several months. We want you to be ready, not rushed.
Pastor Contact
Membership Class
Our membership class is designed to ground you in the faith and life of Christ Presbyterian Church. Whether you’re new to Christianity, coming from a different church tradition, or simply want a refresher, this class will give you a clear picture of what we believe, how we worship, and what it means to be part of this community.
What the Class Covers
The Gospel — The good news of what God has done in Jesus Christ, and why it matters for everything.
The Bible — What we believe about Scripture: its authority, its sufficiency, and how to read it.
Reformed Theology — The distinctives of the Reformed faith, including the five solas, the doctrines of grace, and covenant theology. Why these truths matter for everyday life.
The Westminster Standards — An introduction to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms: what they are, why we use them, and what they teach.
The Church — What the Bible says about the church, why membership matters, and how Presbyterian church government works.
Worship and the Sacraments — What happens in our worship services and why. The meaning and practice of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
The Christian Life — How the gospel shapes the way we live, love, and serve — in the church, in our families, and in the world.
Our History — The story of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the story of Christ Presbyterian Church, from 1956 to today.
When Is the Class Offered?
[The membership class is offered periodically throughout the year. Contact the church office or one of the pastors for the current schedule.]
Do I Have to Take the Class to Become a Member?
The class is strongly encouraged for all prospective members. Even if you are transferring from another OPC congregation, we find that the class is a valuable way to build common ground and get to know one another.
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