Membership begins with Baptism, it does not matter whether one is baptized as an infant or adult, whether one has been baptized in this church, this denomination or another. It does not matter the mode of baptism. For us, baptism is understood as the way in which God lays claim to us as holy children. We welcome folk of all ages and backgrounds to consider membership with us and to join with our ministry.
A person that has been baptized in Salem (or has transferred their baptismal status to Salem) is considered a Baptized Member of the church. They remain as such all of their days until they chose to make a change in their status.
As one becomes of an age of accountability they are offered the opportunity to change their baptized membership status to become a Professing Member. At that point they are enabled to fully participate in the life of the church and her ministries. They are entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership. They may hold office in our administrative processes and may put them selves forward for consideration in ordination.
For various reasons individuals may come to be part of the life of Salem but prefer to keep their membership with a home church. that is perfectly fine. They are free to be involved in our ministries at any level short of holding and elected office. The may chose to affiliate with us in a formal manner without becoming full professing members. If their home church is a fellow United Methodist congregation they may be an Affiliate Member. An affiliate member is entitled to all rights and privileges of membership except those of voting beyond the local church (Annual Conference or General Conf.). If their home church is of something other United Methodist they may be an Associate Member. Likewise they may hold all of the right s of membership but are limited only in being prohibited form being a voting member of the Adm. Council.
If yo are interested in any of the forms of membership the first step is to speak with the pastor about the prescribed process for each.