Why keep membership records?

Unlike many revival leaders, John Wesley established and sustained communities of Christians that were strong enough to grow through the centuries and develop into The United Methodist Church. He understood salvation as a process that requires community, ongoing support and nurture, and accountability in Christian living. Concern for souls, individually and collectively, motivated the careful record keeping that became characteristic of the faith communities now constituting The United Methodist Church. (Adapted from 2005-2008 United Methodist Membership Records Manual, published by The United Methodist Publishing House, Copyright 2004.) 

This manual provides the membership secretary, church staff, and ministry teams with the information and instructions they need to maintain membership records and nurture individuals through their faith journey. The record system also helps staff prepare the connectional reports that help us study how our denomination is changing so that we can encourage the ministry of each congregation. The manual includes a sample of each record sheet and complete instructions on completing each record. 

Membership Record Changes: Action of the 2004 General Conference has resulted in major changes in membership records for The United Methodist Church effective January 2005. For full background and details on these changes see the FAQ on the next page.

New CDROM for 2005-2008! The Membership Manual includes a CDROM of templates for your PC workstation. You will find templates for each type of record sheet (Baptism, Marriage, Permanent Church Register, Constituency, etc.) as well as 8-1/2 x 11 certificates for baptism, confirmation, and professing membership in English, Spanish, and Korean. For a permanent record, print your completed records on acid-free paper, punched to fit the membership record binder (0687084121, package of 50 sheets, $4.50).