Membership letters??!

[Neck]

Originally Posted by aak1972

I was made aware a few weeks ago that at the church my parents are a member of the pastor has issued membership letters. And if you dont sign the letter you are not a voting member but your still on the books. This letter contains some very questionable wording. The pastor told some of the founding members of the church they were not "members". Have any of you had to sign any membership letters?? And if you are not a voting member should you still pay your tithes there?? This is the same church in the MS district that there is a thread on about being sued.

The letter is a form of a "mark" or "Vow".

I would never sign it and would leave the assembly.

It sounds like this guy is dialing up 1-800-Jim-Jones....

[MomOfADramaQn]

I know this is kind of an old post but in regarding the membership letters - the pastor of the church that aak1972 was talking about went up to a couple that sings in the choir at this church and told them they could no longer sing in the choir because they had not signed these letters; went to another lady that has kept the church rolls for years and told her she could not take attendance anymore because she had not signed the letters. Might I add that these are very good faithful church members and have been so for YEARS!!!! He has also told the members of the church that if they do not support him they are going to hell - is it just me or does this seem a bit cultish to anyone else?

[ManOfWord]

Any church who refuses to have any by-laws, in our generation, is foolish #1 and cultish #2 and ___________________________ #3! They are for protection.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Any church who refuses to have any by-laws, in our generation, is foolish #1 and cultish #2 and ___________________________ #3! They are for protection.

SSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...the 'cult' word

[Sam]

I go to a church called The Hamilton Dream Center. Their web site is:
http://www.hamiltondreamcenter.com/

They ask people to sign a Partnership Agreement.
This is a copy of what that looks like:

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Covenant partnership is a relationship –-a bond—between two people or parties much like a business relationship. These parties, sharing a common goal or objective, join forces and resources in order to reach their common goal.

In the same way, the Partners of Hamilton Dream Center and its Ministry Team have a common goal: to reach the inner city of Hamilton and give hope to person(s) that are less fortunate. Our message is clear “Jesus is the answer”. And by standing together in faith and prayer, we can reach our part of the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reaching this world is serious business, so the relationship between the Covenant Partners and the Ministry Team of Hamilton Dream Center is also serious and life changing. It is a bond established by God to fulfill His purposes –-not the Pastor or any of the Ministry Team—but His. It is a way of joining hands and joining forces to do more than we could ever do alone to bring the message of faith and hope to the Body of Christ.

Joining together, each of us brings resources and a supply of God’s anointing into this relationship (Ephesians 4:16) as we continue to successfully proclaim that “Jesus is Lord” from the blocks surrounding Hamilton Dream Center and throughout the community.

The Ministry Team of Hamilton Dream Center is committed to fulfilling these goals and drams as led by the Holy Spirit. It is our desire to be in-line with His desires.

God’s Word tells us that partnership in ministry is the most powerful relationship on the face of the earth. It is a covenant relationship based on the blood of Jesus. It is a relationship of the highest honor. Consequently, it is a relationship of the highest commitment.

I, ________________________________________, dated___________________________, by signing and dating this agreement pledge to be a partner with Hamilton Dream Center. I will actively participate in one or more ministries within the church. I will strive to be led by the Holy Spirit in carrying out all facets of my partnership to the glory and honor of Jesus, my King and Savior.

[Sister Alvear]

My son preached at that church he said they sure seemed like nice people to him.

I hate things like this happen...but it does...and many times the innocent suffer. If someone wants to leave us in Brazil we free them and their church...saves a lot of tears and heard feelings in the end...My husband is a wise man...

A building is ....well...just a building...

[MomOfADramaQn]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

My son preached at that church he said they sure seemed like nice people to him.

I hate things like this happen...but it does...and many times the innocent suffer. If someone wants to leave us in Brazil we free them and their church...saves a lot of tears and heard feelings in the end...My husband is a wise man...

A building is ....well...just a building...

When did your son preach there?

[MomOfADramaQn]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

My son preached at that church he said they sure seemed like nice people to him.

I hate things like this happen...but it does...and many times the innocent suffer. If someone wants to leave us in Brazil we free them and their church...saves a lot of tears and heard feelings in the end...My husband is a wise man...

A building is ....well...just a building...

The church is full of nice people and the pastor is nice too if you agree with everything he says.

[Sister Alvear]

I pray for all involved...and as a leader I KNOW there is no way to please everyone...

[MomOfADramaQn]

I just don't understand how someone can call themself an anointed man of God and treat people in the way that he has treated people - he has really hurt a lot of people in that church - it is really sad. It used to be such an awesome church!