You may complete the membership pledge form by providing:

• Your designation (Charter Member, Member, Ecumenical Member, etc.)

• Primary contact information

• Annual budget (for applicable categories)

• Annual pledge amount

• Preferred payment schedule and start date

Pledges may be fulfilled via check, online giving, or ACH transfer at coastalmission.org/donate.

Individuals, churches, mission entities, and organizations can all become members. Individual members commit primarily through prayer and support but may also submit financial pledges if they choose.

No. You do not have to be Lutheran to be a member of Coastal Mission Society.

Churches, entities, and individuals who are not part of the LCMS may join as Ecumenical Members by affirming the three ecumenical creeds, Luther’s Small Catechism, and the Rule of Mission. This allows you to participate fully in the mission while recognizing that CMS trains, coaches, and teaches from a confessional Lutheran (LCMS) perspective. We do this because our mission strategy, doctrine, ministry practices, and training approach are grounded in historic Lutheran theology, particularly its clarity on vocation, grace, Word and Sacrament, and the missional pattern found in Acts. These commitments give coherence and stability to everything we teach.

Many independent churches, networks, and pastors in Coastal SoCal are actively exploring Lutheran doctrine or considering a formal relationship with the LCMS. If this describes you, Ecumenical Membership is an excellent starting point. It allows you to enter the partnership, participate in training, and walk with us while you explore theological alignment at a pace that suits your congregation. We are glad to accompany you in that process, or simply to partner missionally without expecting further denominational steps.

Whether you are exploring Lutheran theology, seeking partnership for local mission work, or looking for a collaborative regional network, Ecumenical Membership provides a welcoming pathway into the life and mission of Coastal Mission Society.

No. All pledges to CMS are expressions of good-faith intent, not legally enforceable commitments. Pledges can be modified or ended at any time by written notice.

Yes. You can be fully involved with Coastal Mission Society without becoming a formal member. Many partners participate as Prayer Partners, Supporters, or collaborators in training, mission initiatives, and local outreach efforts without entering a membership designation. Membership simply clarifies an ongoing, covenant-level commitment. Anyone who desires to pray, serve, collaborate, or support the work of planting and establishing new ministries in Coastal SoCal is welcome to be involved.

CMS maintains strict confidentiality. Pledge and donor information is securely stored and shared only with authorized staff or board members. CMS never sells or trades donor data. All financial gifts are receipted according to IRS guidelines.

You can begin the process in a few simple steps:

1. Start an exploratory conversation with CMS.

Reach out through our contact form or directly to our leadership team. We will walk you through the membership designations, answer questions, and help you discern the best fit for your congregation.

2. Review the membership commitments with your leadership team.

Most churches bring the CMS Statement of Faith, Rule of Mission, and membership commitments to their elders, council, or leadership board for discussion. We can provide talking points, printed materials, and sample motions if needed.

3. Determine the appropriate membership designation.

Your church may join as a Charter Member (until July 1, 2026), Member, or Ecumenical Member, depending on doctrinal alignment and timing. We can help you evaluate which is best.

4. Complete a pledge form.

Your church will fill out the membership/pledge form with budget information, the annual commitment amount, preferred payment schedule, and contact information. This can be done digitally or on paper.

5. CMS Board approval.

All new memberships are reviewed and approved at the next quarterly meeting of the CMS Board of Directors. We will notify you as soon as approval is confirmed.

6. Begin participating as a member church.

Once approved, you will:

• Be added to CMS’s membership directory

• Begin receiving mission and prayer updates

• Gain access to training, coaching, assessments, and mobilization resources

• Join in regional initiatives such as Epiphany and Pentecost Sunday

• Be recognized on the CMS website and in the annual impact report

If your church is early in the exploration process—especially if you are an independent church or are exploring Lutheran theology—we can begin with informal conversations or Ecumenical Membership while you discern your next steps.

We would be glad to walk with you and help your congregation discern how to partner with us in planting and establishing new ministries across Coastal SoCal.

Membership is not strictly required before planting, but it is strongly recommended. Membership clarifies alignment, expectations, and shared mission commitments. It also provides access to coaching, training, assessments, and potential grant pathways, which greatly strengthen the planting process.