Subject: Where does membership come from? |
Bible Note: It sounds to me like you're mixed up with the wrong group of folks who don't practice God's Word. In our congregation and in several congregations around the city, we have elders and deacons who take their job very, very seriously. Elders and deacons are selected in strict accordance with the guidance in Titus and 1 Tim, then they execute their duties with much prayer and forethought. The elders shepard the flock with a great deal of concern for their physical welfare AND their spiritual growth. Most of the deacons follow and submit themselves to their respective elders per congregation and devote themselves to prayer and following God's Word. Every once in a while, a small problem might show up and we deal with it at the lowest level possible before we follow Jesus procedure for elevating the situation as cited in Matt 18. I'd be the first to admit there's not enough discipline going on in the Lord's church but the biggest root cause of that is the vast and wide spread lack of Bible knowledge throughout the church in today's fast paced world. My bottom line recommendation to you is to keep looking for the Lord's church in your community. I'm sure you'll find such a group but if you're positive that none meet your standards, send me your personal E-Mail address so I can send you a list for your area (or I'll send mine). Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy PS: I was just installed as a deacon a couple of weeks ago so I would solicit your prayers for my growth in wisdom as I'll need it. |