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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Where does membership come from? | NT general Archive 1 | forever_prophet | 123188 | ||
I do have a problem with the notion of "joining" a Church congregation. One joins a gym or the scouts or some other social club. One does not join a cell if one already belongs to the body. It bothers me that fellow believers have the audacity to add conditions onto the Lord's salvation (Romans 10:8). If churches need a management tool then they need to develop it and stop lying to newer brothers and sisters that don't know that membership is not a prerequisite for salvation. The Church that I attend says in its bulletin after becoming a member one can start enjoying the benefits and privileges of membership. Other Churches in the area allow members to be exempted of wedding fees. The benefits go on. I fear that folks will assume their spirits and souls are okay if they join the club. Salvation should be stressed first and foremost and not play second fiddle to ridiculous membership pitches and pizza with the pastor. I start work on my M Div this fall. On every application I looked at there was a line asking where you were a member. That would have been okay if that was a supplementary question to when did you accept the Lord's salvation. 90 percent of the time that wasn't afforded a space on the form and that is the most important issue. God does not care about where I am a member at. He cares that I not forsake the assembly and that I not support and minister to my brothers and sisters in and out of the local church building. I have been a Christian for 21 years now and regularly attend services, volunteer, and support the Church I attend. I regulary lead our Bible study group and strive to walk the walk. I asked the question out of frustration with membership getting equal billing with salvation and God's grace to see what others thought about the issue. Thank you everyone for your quick, honest and thorough responses. God bless. |
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2 | Where does membership come from? | NT general Archive 1 | EdB | 123253 | ||
forever_prophet I have never heard of membership in the church being presented as a requirement of salvation. I have heard many people make that accusation however. I suspect many have a problem joining a church because they fear commitment. Also many want but few are willing to give. First you said you going for a M Div then it is time to face some facts. Legally churches are forced to incorporate. Secondly only those that have made a commitment to be viewed as members can have a legal say in the legal proceedings of the church. That is the law of this land. By being a member you are also recognized to the general public as an acceptable spokes person for that church. In other words the legal position also gets passed to a social position. Being a member also commits you to personal responsibilities. You commit to support and uphold the church. You commit to seeking the welfare of the church. you commit to becoming a part of the church no just in word but in deed and action. So membership in a local church carries some legal, social and personal responsibilities. Perhaps you don't want those responsibilities. Some may not but why not call it as it is you don't want the responsibilities. You may want to do a self examination to see why you fight so hard against making commitment and taking upon responsibilities. Many people find they enjoy paying their fair share through life. As a post script I would be leery of any M Div program that would accept an applicant that wasn’t willing to commit to a local body of believers by becoming a member of that fellowship. EdB |
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