Members are received on public confession of faith, or on a personally written statement in keeping with the intention of the church, or on reaffirmation of faith, or by a letter of transfer from another Christian church.

First Parish schedules membership classes during the year. The class includes a meeting with our Senior Pastor, where potential members and the Pastor become acquainted with each other (it usually includes a meal and a tour of the building). The purpose of the class is to prepare the candidates to answer four questions:

• What does Jesus mean to you?
• Why do you want to join First Parish?
• What is God doing in your life now?
• Where do you see yourself fit in at First Parish?

The following Sunday, the candidates gather with the Diaconate and share their answers and are publicly welcomed the following Sunday. After this affirmation, you are a member of First Parish Congregational Church.