Need Scripture about transfer
 

I am trying to do some research as to why us Pentecostals require a transfer letter or permission to change churches.

Are there scriptures to back this up or is it just a UPC requirement?

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

We have been attending UPC churches for many years and have moved several times. None of our pastors offered or ever asked for a transfer letter! Granted we have been in our present church for 5 years. When did this letter or permission requirement begin? Curious.

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

It's not a UPC requirement. It's a bunch of Pastors who demand it and happen to be UPC.

No Scripture for it.

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

It is or was part of the UPC manual. So it is the rules. just not all preachers play by them.

There is nothing in the Bible that says 'grow where you're planted' or 'this is where you were born, so this is where you stay'. There are scriptures the UPC uses to say we should stay in one local church. But do thos passages talk about the church as being only one local group that meets in a specific building under one man?

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

Do you know where to find them

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

Source Link

Found this link to the 2012 UPC Manual on Google.

Page 127/128 - under "Obligations" for Membership of local assembly, Article II, Section 2:

Section 3:
In my 30+ years with the UPC and work with several UPC churches, I've never heard of a UPC Pastor following this requirement. The quotes above are direct from the Manual. While other requirements above and below these have scriptures accompanying, these about the letter of membership do not have any.

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

Thanks, NDavid!

VerdicalAngel, the combos I've probably heard most include Heb 10:25 and/or Heb 13:17 and proceed to expound on the authority of the pastor. I wonder how they can preach that way and then praise people like Sis Nona Freeman's mother who moved so frequently during the Depression. And if they believe a person must stay in church to be saved, how can they justify NOT giving a letter of transfer when needed?

Sorry, my internet is limited today so I can't copy/paste the actual verses.

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

I don't think there are any scriptures for it. We were always taught it was a mandatory thing. Lo and behold, we found out that not everyone does it. Pastors who don't require letters are spoken badly of in quiet circles.

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

Article ii, section 3, paragraph 3 says no one should be denied a letter of membership unless proven guilty of misconduct by conviction/confession. Allegedly a lot of Pastors are guilty of violating that as well, considering all the posts from various members claiming Pastors wouldn't let them leave the church.

Re: Need Scripture about transfer
 

YW. I was surprised that was in there. I was never licensed or anything by the UPC. I've read bits and pieces here or there of the Manual, but didn't realize this was considered an obligation or somewhat mandatory.

I doubt the majority actually practice this though. It even mentions the "right hand of fellowship," which I thought was just a Baptist thing. :lol