Membership letters??!

[Rhoni]

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.

AAK,

This is something I have been going through. A very insecure pastor was trying to get all his saints to sign a paper that they would obey, submit, and honor their pastor. It was all right if you didn't but you couldn't be trusted to be used if you didn't. He even went so far as to pronounce a curse on those who wouldn't. Unfortunately for him, I am not a new convert and wouldn't sign such a form for him or anyone else.

Leave that church, do not financially support it, and run from such an insecure manipulating and controlling Pastor.

Blessings, Rhoni

[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.

[Fiyahstarter]

I won't sign an agreement to become a church "member"... You can just count me in as an "attendee" (or even a "rebel" if you prefer... I don't care). But by the same token, my tithes don't necessarily go to a church organization either. (Especially if that organization has silly mandates hung to it.)

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

I won't sign an agreement to become a church "member"... You can just count me in as an "attendee" (or even a "rebel" if you prefer... I don't care). But by the same token, my tithes don't necessarily go to a church organization either. (Especially if that organization has silly mandates hung to it.)

I don't think a person is being a good steward if he/she puts money (tithes, offerings, alms) into something that he/she thinks is not according to God's Word.

[Fiyahstarter]

Originally Posted by Sam

I don't think a person is being a good steward if he/she puts money (tithes, offerings, alms) into something that he/she thinks is not according to God's Word.

I agree. But sometimes I feel guilty about it... something along the lines of "my tithes are supposed to go to the House of God" or at least that's what the Man of the House says! LOL!

Granted, somebody has to pay the electric bill and what not... If I knew that the money stayed at my local congregation, it would be different. But I've heard it spoken that our church tithes UP to the mothership... and I have a problem with mother! LOL!

(I wish we'd leave UPC in case you haven't guessed.)

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

I won't sign an agreement to become a church "member"... You can just count me in as an "attendee" (or even a "rebel" if you prefer... I don't care). But by the same token, my tithes don't necessarily go to a church organization either. (Especially if that organization has silly mandates hung to it.)

I will not attend a church that considers me a rebel. I also will not put my hard earned money into a church in which I disagree with their vision/missions statement.

If you are teaching and preaching Jeus Christ and the death,burial, and resurrection and how that applies to the believer then this EXTRA-Biblical stuff would have no place in the church.

It is time for us to stand against Yuppie Easy Believism, and practice the Apostles Doctrine: In Principle, Practice, and POWER.

Just my thoughts on the matter. We don't need bigger, fancier church buildings. We don't need larger salaries and gifts for the Pastors. We need a renewed vision of Christ and his mission on this earth. How did he and the disciples start churches?

Think about it.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

I agree. But sometimes I feel guilty about it... something along the lines of "my tithes are supposed to go to the House of God" or at least that's what the Man of the House says! LOL!

Granted, somebody has to pay the electric bill and what not... If I knew that the money stayed at my local congregation, it would be different. But I've heard it spoken that our church tithes UP to the mothership... and I have a problem with mother! LOL!

(I wish we'd leave UPC in case you haven't guessed.)

Tithing is not a New Testament principle but a western civilization practice to support church ministries. I will put my money where my heart is and it sure isn't in some of the churches I have seen in the past several years.

[Digging4Truth]

I have a membership letter that I can present should anyone need it.

It is 66 books long... quite lengthy but the bulk of the evidence of my membership can be found in the last 27 books if that helps any.

It has been signed in blood, bought and paid for. A lifetime membership and beyond.

That is all the membership letter I need..

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

I have a membership letter that I can present should anyone need it.

It is 66 books long... quite lengthy but the bulk of the evidence of my membership can be found in the last 27 books if that helps any.

It has been signed in blood, bought and paid for. A lifetime membership and beyond.

That is all the membership letter I need..

Amen. I have that same letter - sealed in the blood of the Testament giver.

Awesome post Bro. D.