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Post by tony42 on Dec 7, 2014 15:57:34 GMT
Been struggling with this one for a couple of weeks and was uncertain what to do with it. I went to a class on membership last week and they ask for you to sign to become a member. now this particular church has been my home since being saved in 1984, I have only recently returned, but for some reason I have Been reluctant to sign. I have studied the info given me and also found a very good article on the Internet. I finally decided to set out my decision to not sign up and my reasons for doing so. In short the response I got was summed up in the final response I was sent "I am sad that you won't be becoming an 'official member'". I feel very sad at this so soon after returning, this modern day method of asking people to sign up to me creates a two tier kind of Christianity a sort of Aparteidism, by not "signing up" I am not allowed to be considered for certain things within the church, yet having been paying tithes and going to services I might now be considered an outsider or is this just me. I consider I am a member of the church of Christ, but this extra signing up to be a member of a particular church seems wrong. Oh yes it would be easier to sign up and become a member and I wouldn't have all this angst or would I? Just seems plain daft. Some have written that what you are signing is a commitment that you will come under the authority of that particular church, I don't need a piece of paper for that, I submit to God and voluntarily submit to the leadership of the church, where is trust. Sorry if this sounds alike a ramble but at present I feel as if I am in no mans land, I know God will sort it.
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Post by Brookhouse on Dec 9, 2014 19:55:03 GMT
Have you tried discussing the scriptural reasoning behind 'membership' with your pastor? If it was introduced during the time you've been attending, is there a reason they have introduced it, is there a problem they have had or are trying to avoid? . Presumably you're pastor is sufficiently well grounded in scripture to know that your union and fellowship in Christ are not affected by something you sign. Has your pastor any concerns about your allegiance to Christ, if so he should tell you. What is the value of membership in his eyes? Does he see it as conferring some extra spiritual benefit?
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Post by tony42 on Dec 9, 2014 23:22:07 GMT
The course was taken by the pastor, and he was the one counselled me when I came back . The information booklet for the partnership/membership (words are interchangeable) course States that as partnership/membership is a spiritual commitment, it is nota sealed by the signing of a form, but by the scariptural method of recognition, the right hand of fellowship and prayer. I was told that once I signed the form I would be interviewed and recommended to the church at which time I would be given the right hand of fellowship. The document has a heading The reasons for church membership, it goes on to say
1/. So that those who are truly members may be easily identified.
2/. So that each member may understand the level of commitment that church membership involves.
3/. To safeguard the testimony of the church.
4/. To express commitment to the church, and to our leadership and its vision.
The second part has the heading what to expect from the church.
Eg that we wil worship God with a passion. That we wil honour Him in everything we do, being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Plus a lot more things which are what I would expect.
It says signing the form signifies that you understand some of the commitment.
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Post by Brookhouse on Dec 12, 2014 22:42:40 GMT
Mmm.... sounds like they're making a distinction between members of the church and members of the body of Christ. Interesting...
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Post by clarkthompson on Dec 25, 2014 12:28:18 GMT
I never agreed with church membership, it keeps restricted to help with only one church, but to help with church I normally go to and to do the things I was called to do by the Lord I became a member, I would not have signed anything though.
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Post by Guest on Dec 29, 2014 23:42:31 GMT
In the US, a church is a non 501C3 non profit. To function, it is supposed to have a board of some type that must be elected by a membership. Further, church discipline in some places, to be legal, must take place in the confines of a membership that has expressly agreed to join a group under its constitution, etc. All of this is really murky as very few clear laws or legal precedence has ever really been established.
Membership is usually a means to remain somewhat legal in the States. it also allows for a greater accountability as far as biblical discipline goes.
Membership also provides a framework for establishing a CAPP for insurance purposes. A CAPP is a child abuse prevention policy. Among other things, it tries to establish a track record of those who would join up and work with kids. Membership of a particular duration is often part of an insurance companies requirement or they can choose to drop the insured church.
In our church, non members are encouraged to attend meetings and even comment, but for legal purposes, only the membership can vote.
The main theological issue is accountability. There is a stubborn independent streak in most people. The idea of submission is unpalatable to mankind in general. A refusal to be held accountable is the reason I have seen many people not pursue membership in our body. Not saying that is everyone. I offer mere anecdotal evidence applicable only to my time and place and experience.
If the membership is not unbiblical and enshrines biblical concepts, why not join?
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Post by Brookhouse on Jan 2, 2015 12:26:20 GMT
You raise some good points. I think initially I was against the idea of membership on the basis that if one is already a member of the body of Christ, then to sign again somehow means being a member of the body of Christ is not enough. Having said that, the churches in the bible are identified by locations which perhaps indicates a 'belonging' and 'identification' with one particular part of the body in the main.
Also, in these times of 'pick and choose Christianity' and people leaving a fellowship when they have been mildly offended (rather than over a big issue), then the idea of a more recognisable membership process for a local body makes sense.
Another issue is the biblical injunction to separated those who get into deep sin and won't repent. This is not easily possible is the person hasn't first been accepted and recognised in some way.
I think your point about accountability and 'stubborn independent streak' is a good one but it has to be balanced by wise and mature leadership that can be respected an trusted. When there is not trust and respect then the issue can become one of fear for the member of being controlled. Accountability and control are different things. Perhaps it's down to how the pastor concerned sees things.
A helpful discussion (for me personally).
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