Steps to Membership

Unitarian Universalist churches operate under a form of governance called Congregational Polity. Basically, Congregational Polity means that the congregation runs the church. We own our own building, plan our own programs, and generally make major decisions as a congregation.

Arlington Street Church is our spiritual home. We come here to learn and grow in spirit and part of the way we grow together is by making decisions together. To choose to become a member of Arlington Street Church is to choose to become an active member of a democratic collective. The term we use for this collective of members is “The Corporation.” In addition to planning, participating and supporting the programs of the church, members take the responsibility for coming to business meetings, or Corporation Meetings, four times a year and voting on issues that determine the way this church is run.

The requirements for membership are simple:

• Take the Membership Class (offered through the ASCenter); this course is designed to help you learn what you need to know about Arlington Street Church and Unitarian Universalism while getting acquainted with staff and church leaders in a small group setting.
• Sign the membership book.
• Participate in the covenanting process; making a pledge of financial support and service for the coming year.
• Pay something toward your financial pledge (there is no minimum pledge requirement).

Once you’ve met these requirements we invite you to participate in a joining ceremony that takes place during a Sunday morning worship service. While not an “official” requirement for membership, this is an important ritual, a rite of passage that symbolizes your new relationship with Arlington Street Church.

You will then be officially voted into membership at the next corporation meeting. When you are voted into membership, you officially become a member of Arlington Street Church.