Membership at LaSalle

 
 

Here at LaSalle Street Church, membership is a deep expression of our shared community life. Joining LaSalle as a church member is a way of entering into a covenant with the church to help us give life to our vision, to provide service and leadership, and to help us be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

We’re hosting our next series of membership classes in May — sign up online and select which classes work best for you (we have in-person and virtual options). Contact Pastor Brent if you want have any questions!

THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS AT LASALLE

Our membership process is designed to help you get to know the church and reflect on your own spiritual journey as you consider whether to join as a member:

  • First, attend a New Member Intro Class—this two-hour session is open to all and offers an introduction to LaSalle’s beliefs and history. Whether you’ve attended for two weeks or ten years, this is a great place to ask questions and get a deeper look at who we are.

  • If you decide to continue in the membership process:

    • Complete a short application to help us get to know you

    • Attend a New Member Welcome Class—this two-hour session covers more details of our life together, like volunteering and how the church makes major decisions

    • Once your application is reviewed and approved, be welcomed into the church family at a special Sunday service

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What does it mean to be a member at LaSalle Street Church? 

One way to think about membership is that it's an invitation to move from guest to host, from being an attender to being someone who embodies generous welcome! 

Members are those who agree to steward well the many good gifts from God to this Body at LaSalle and share them with others. It’s a gift rooted in God’s abundance - as those who have already been invited to the banquet table of the kin-dom of God, and are committing to furthering that kin-dom through this specific congregation, we get to then invite others, save room at the table, pull up more chairs, make the introductions at the party! That is the call of community that centers around the Body of Christ. Membership starts with relationship, belonging, and becoming through Christ’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power – and it involves shared belief and action as we learn together what we’re called to and what God has equipped us to be through our vision and mission.    

Becoming a member involves making a few specific commitments to the church (like participation in shared community life; praying for and encouraging our mission and vision; supporting the church with your gifts of presence, time, and financial resources as you are able; using your voice and vote to shape our congregational decisions). Only members are able to vote in church decisions requiring a congregational vote, and only members can serve on our Elder Board and Nominating Committee. Otherwise, participation at LaSalle (worship, volunteering, serving, etc.) does not depend on your membership status but is encouraged as part of healthy discipleship and spiritual growth. 

 

How do I know if I'm already a member? 

Unlike some churches where membership status is extended automatically, members at LaSalle have participated in the membership process and class(es). If you haven't participated in that process, then you most likely aren't a member at LaSalle. If you're not sure, feel free to contact the church staff to ask. 

 

Where's the best place for me to learn about what LaSalle believes and what else I would be committing to as a church member? 

The membership class! If you're curious about the church and want to learn more, you're encouraged to participate in the New Member Intro Class, where we'll cover all the basics. Then, you can discern in prayer whether to continue with the membership process. 

 

Any other questions? Feel free to contact Pastor Brent!