The American Lutheran Congregation, Oslo has various membership categories, the two most important are: Members and Associate Members. Here are the basic distinctions between these two membership categories:

Associate Members

• Associate Members have another church in which they hold primary membership. For example, many of our associate members do not wish to give up their membership in the Norwegian State Church, but wish to also participate in the life and ministry of ALC. Other people are only in Norway for a short time and do not wish to transfer their membership from their home church. We respect this decision and our constitution allows for this.
• Associate Members’ personal numbers are not sent to the Norwegian government authorities for registration, as they are already registered elsewhere or do not wish to be registered.

Members

• Members have their primary church membership with ALC and those who have Norwegian personal numbers are registered with the Norwegian authorities.

ALC receives a small amount from the government for its membership. Associate Members are not counted as they have not been registered with the government.

The framers of our constitution recognized that our international congregation needs to be flexible enough to recognize and appreciate the gifts of all who commune with us around God’s Word of life in Christ Jesus. Membership should not be a burden of conscience, but a joyful and free experience celebrating God’s grace. It is ALC’s desire to make room for all our members to be involved in this community to the greatest extent possible. Please feel free to contact the office or pastor if you have any questions regarding membership.

For more on this topic see ALC Constitution, Bylaws, Chapter 1: Membership.