Glossary of Terms: Term definition

transfer, local church membership

The movement of the membership of a lay person from one local church to another. A lay person may transfer his or her membership either to another United Methodist local church or to a local church of another denomination. The lay member does this by formally requesting that the pastor of the church to which he or she is transferring ask for the proper letter or certificate of transfer from the former church. When the leteter or certificate is sent, the lay person ceases to be a member of the former local church.

Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by Permission.