Sacraments
BAPTISM
In the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Q. 94) we read that the sacrament of baptism is a washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, which is a sign and seal that we are joined to Christ, that we receive the benefits of the covenant of grace, and that we are engaged to be the Lord’s. For a more comprehensive statement on our views on baptism, please refer to this article written by Redeemer New York.
Membership
Church membership is an important part of Christian discipleship as it brings us into an intentional and accountable relationship with God's people. It is not for a special class of faithful Christians, but rather for anyone who professes faith in Christ Jesus for salvation as He is offered in the gospel.
To join Res Pres, we require attendance at an “Intro to Res Pres” membership weekend, (Friday evening and Saturday morning) and assent to the membership vows of our denomination. For more information, contact Lucas Dourado.
Communion and Our Children
At Res Pres, communion is open to any baptized believer in Jesus Christ that is connected to a gospel-preaching church. For baptized children that are growing in awareness of their sin and show evidence of true faith in Christ, we ask that they attend our communion class that is offered periodically, and then for a profession of faith, prior to them partaking of the Lord’s Supper for the first time. We believe that this is the best way to disciple our young people, ensure that their faith is their own, and that they have an age-appropriate understanding of the Lord’s Supper and church membership.
A profession of faith at Res Pres happens in an informal conversation with a pastor or ruling elder. In these conversations, we look for age-appropriate understanding of who God is, what sin is, how Jesus saves us, and assent to our membership vows. Parents are welcome to be present for these conversations. We do not have a definitive age requirement, although our communion class is generally suited for children ages six and up. For more resources on membership and sacraments for children, click here. Have questions? Contact Lucas Dourado.