COMMUNICANT CLASS, IT IS MORE THAN JUST A MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT

Over the years, I’ve come across many worshippers in our church who have been with us faithfully for a year - sometimes even longer - but are still hesitant to become communicant members.

Some have shared candidly with me: “I heard your communicant class is intense. So many readings… assignments every session… only six weeks but still feels like a course!”

Yes, it’s true - the communicant class consists of six sessions, each about 90 minutes long.

And yes, there’s reading, discussion, and reflection. But let me be clear: this class is not about passing or failing. It’s about growing. It’s about belonging.

Some have even said, “Honestly, I feel relieved that I don’t have to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting. Nothing to lose.” But I gently want to challenge that idea.

Becoming a communicant member is not about gain or loss. It’s about belonging - fully, intentionally - to the body of Christ in this local church. It’s about saying, “I’m not just a guest. I’m family.” It’s about accountability, shared identity, and mutual commitment.

Yes, even if you are not a communicant member, we still welcome you. We still love you. But not being a member means there are things you will likely miss. You may remain on the fringe when it comes to theological formation, decision-making, and deeper ministry involvement. You may not fully appreciate the beauty of Holy Communion as we celebrate it in the Presbyterian tradition, or the richness of covenant theology reflected in infant baptism.

One of the greatest strengths of the communicant class is not just its content - but the connections it fosters. I remember a student who approached me with an assignment: “Pastor, I need to ask you five things you like.” That conversation opened a door for deeper sharing.

“How did your celebrity past shape you as a pastor?” they asked. That’s not something I often talk about - but through this assignment, we found common ground, honest curiosity, and meaningful conversation. The communicant class helps us know not just our theology and tradition - it helps us know each other.

So if you’ve been sitting on the fence, wondering if this class is worth your time… let me encourage you: Don’t see it as a burden. See it as an invitation. An invitation to grow deeper in your faith. To discover what we believe and why we believe. To find your place - not just in the pew, but in the family.

Come join us. Let’s grow together.

Being His missional disciple,

Pastor Forest