Exploring Membership

We are so glad you’re interested in membership at St. Paul’s! We are so happy that God brought you to us! 

We offer our Exploring Membership series of classes twice a year to help you make an informed, prayerful decision about choosing St. Paul’s as your new church home. We ask all people transferring membership from another church to participate in our Exploring Membership process — as it is for your benefit to truly connect to the life and ministry of St. Paul’s. 

To register for the Winter 2025 classes, fill out the online form at the bottom of this page or email Heather Jackson, at HeatherJ@StPaulsSummerville.org. If you need childcare, please give their names and ages in the email. 

We look forward to meeting you!

Winter 2025 Exploring Membership Classes

Connect 101 Brunch – Sunday (January 12) at 11:45am in Ambler Hall
This is a one-hour introduction and overview of the vision, ministry, and family of St. Paul’s. Learn about the steps to membership. Lunch is served. Childcare is available upon request. 

Basic Christianity – Sunday (January 19) at 9am in Ambler Hall
Our church’s first goal is to make sure that we all know Jesus and what He came to do for us. We offer a book study on “Basic Christianity” by John Stott. This classic book explains the Gospel message in an easy-to-understand format. We provide the book free of charge to those who are considering St. Paul’s as a church home.

Joys of Anglicanism – Sundays (January 26 + February 2) at 9am in Ambler Hall
We want our church to be filled with strong Christians, and we also want them to understand the rich Anglican tradition. Whether you have a different denominational background, or grew up in the Anglican Church and just want to examine why we do what we do, this is a wonderful course in the history, theology, and worship of the church.

How to use the book of Common Prayer – Sunday (February 9) at 9am in Ambler Hall
Let’s explore what the Book of Common Prayer is and how to use it in your daily walk with the Lord. 

Discover Your S.H.A.P.E. for Ministry – Sundays (February 16) at 9am in Ambler Hall
Finally, we want new members to know and use their God-given spiritual gifts. We do this through Spiritual Gifts Inventory. Cathy McGrew helps folks on their journey to understanding what spiritual gifts they possess, and how they might apply their gifts in ministry at St. Paul’s. Cathy also helps you get connected to a Life Group.

Preparation for Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation – Sunday (February 23) at 9am in Ambler Hall
Final paperwork and details for Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation service.

Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation – Sunday (March 2) at 10:15 am in Doar Hall
Your membership at St. Paul’s is complete with the renewing your baptismal vows at our public service of Confirmation. Our Bishop visits twice a year to pray for and receive new members into St. Paul’s through Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation. We ask all transferring and new members to participate in this wonderful and powerful service, where the Bishop invokes the Holy Spirit to release in you the gifts for ministry in your new church home. It is a beautiful moment of celebration as you join your new church family!