Membership

How do I join the church?

Whether you’ve just started attending Cypress Lake United Methodist or if you’ve been worshiping here for years, we invite you to officially join our congregation. Join us for a one-session orientation led by our pastoral team, designed to help you learn more about the programs at Cypress Lake UMC and where you might learn and serve here. It also lets us learn more about you, so we can help you connect to the life of the church. You’ll meet others joining the church, learn about United Methodism and this church’s history, and catch our vision for where God is leading us in the future.

Each year, we offer about five opportunities to become a member of Cypress Lake. Registration for each session will begin a couple of weeks prior to the orientation. Sign up at the Welcome Center or fill out the personal data sheet online. Our office will take care of all paperwork needed to transfer your membership from another church.

New members will join the church during worship services on the Sunday following the session. You may join during any one of the three services.

What if I’m just trying to learn more?

You’re invited to attend the new member orientation with no obligation to join. We want you to make an informed decision about joining this congregation of the United Methodist Church. If you attend the new member orientation and decide that this isn’t the time for you to become a member, you will be welcome to join with a later group.

Do I need to be baptized? What if I grew up in another kind of church?

If you have never been baptized, the pastor will baptize you as a part of the membership ceremony. Contact the church office to set up a time to talk with Pastor Marcus about this important commitment.

If you were baptized as an infant or child, as a United Methodist or in any other denomination, you do not need to be rebaptized. Baptism is an act of God, and God does it right the first time.

I was a member of another church. How do I transfer my membership?

If you are a member of another part of the church (such as Baptist, Presbyterian or Lutheran), then you can transfer your membership from that church to a local United Methodist Church.

If you are a member of another Christian church that does not transfer membership, you can make a profession of faith and be received as a member.

I live in Fort Myers part of the year and want to maintain my membership in my home church too. Is that possible?

Yes! If you are a member of another United Methodist church, you may join as an affiliate member. You remain a professing member of your home church, but you join our congregation for fellowship and pastoral care and support us with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness while you are here.

If you are a member of a church of another denomination, you may join as an associate member, maintaining your full membership in your home church as described above.

What do United Methodists believe?

Our Welcome page will help you understand United Methodist beliefs.

Learn more about baptism and membership in The United Methodist Church here.

Have further questions about membership? The church office will be happy to help.