Bible Question: I HAVE BEEN ATTENDING FAITH BAPTIST CHRUCH AND WAS THINKING ABOUT CHANGING MY LETTER, WHEN I NOTICED THERE WASN'T EVER AN INVITATION AT THE END OF THE SERVICES. WE ASKED AND IT WAS EXPLAINED TO US WE WOULD HAVE TO BE REVIEWED BY A GROUP OF 3 ELDERS AND THEY DECIDE IF WE ARE TRULY SAVED BEFORE WE COULD JOIN. MY QUESTION IS: I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PRACTICE IN A BAPTIST CHURCH DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INSIGHT ON THIS, OR IS THIS SOMETHING I NEED TO LET ALONE. THANK SANDRA |
Bible Answer: Hi, sqkeener... This is not an uncommon practice. There are a variety of ways in which a new member may be presented prior to being received by the congregation. Given the importance of the purity of the church and the responsibility of members to their brethren, it is understandable. I've even seen Baptist churches in which the prospective member was required to give their testimony to the congregation prior to the vote to be received. In my church -- a Baptist church -- one must meet with the elders, then attend a new members class. Only then -- if the people are still interested -- are they presented to the congregation. At that point, they sign the church covenant. In Him, Doc |