What happens to memberships?

Q: Are members automatically transferred to gmc or what happens to the membership in the gap? Does each person have to ask to join the church again? And go through a membership service?

A: Good and important question. The entire official membership roll is transferred to the GMC or whatever connection the church chooses.

However, it is good and proper for the Membership Secretary to contact the entire membership as best he/she is able (bulletin, newsletter, email blast, personal letter, phone call) to inform the members who choose not to join the new connection to respond with directions as to their membership: transfer to another church or withdraw their membership or to place their membership with the UM District Superintendent which will keep them in the UMC until they inform the DS where to send their membership.

I think this is a very thoughtful and efficient process of honoring every member’s commitment and conviction.

As a church affiliates with the GMC or wherever, it’s not required but I would highly recommend a service where vows are renewed and the fellowship and mission of the church is celebrated together.

Hope that helps. I’m glad to respond to any concerns and will help find answers when I haven’t a clue.