New member, new to church, questions
 

Hi.

I've been attending an apostolic church in my area. Though not baptised in this church, I've been baptised in another denominational church.

The church members at the apostolic church I attend are very friendly and welcome me every Sunday I can attend. They are more friendly than the minister. I have had a beard most of my life and it might be he doesn't care for it. Tried asking questions in an email about my concerns but didn't get very far. Maybe I should try a different church.

Met someone since attending and in talking with her she has reservations about seeing me further until I become batized. Says her family with shun her. Is this common practice?

This brings up a question I have about getting married in an apostolic church. Do both the man and woman have to be church members?

Is baptism the only way to become a church member?

I've seen comments about being clean shaven, but it's been my life style for as one as I can remember having a beard. Are there apostolic churches that accept beards?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

Tomas

Re: New member, new to church, questions
 

Each local "Apostolic" church has its own rules/practices about:
1. how and when a person is saved (some say prior to water baptism. Some say after water baptism plus after the Holy Ghost Baptism)
2. facial hair (some allow facial hair, some tolerate facial hair, some think it's a sin)
3. who can marry whom (each pastor has his own thoughts about whom he will perform weddings for)

Re: New member, new to church, questions
 

Sam has laid it out pretty plainly. My church doesn't say much about facial hair.

As far as salvation/baptism I personally agree. As a father of three daughters I prefer and teach them that it is best to date within the body of Christ. I have never nor would I ever shun my daughter for choosing another, as a matter a fact it was a learning experience. And as usual, daddy was right. :happydance

Re: New member, new to church, questions
 

Dear Tomas, the majority of apostolic churches believe that one must obey acts 2:38 to be saved/born again or a church member. that includes repentance, water baptism in jesus name and baptism of the holy ghost speaking in tongues. A minority of churches believe you are saved by just believing and repenting. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is the way it was done in the book of acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5 and 22:16. Apostolic churches do not follow or recognize the trinitarian formula of matthew 28:19. To date and marry within the faith is biblical and the norm. Some churches are lax on beards but others are not. The United Pentecostal Church mostly does not accept beards while the Pentecostal assemblies of the world accepts them. The UPC is mainly an anglo apostolic organization while the paw is mainly african american apostolic organization. there are other apostolic organizations like Assemply of lord Jesus Christ and Apostolic Assembly of Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. the AA is mainly hispanic. I hope you do get baptized in Jesus name and receive the holy ghost even though you may have to find an apostolic church that is not so strict on holiness standards like no beards. god bless.

Re: New member, new to church, questions
 

Thomas, there are many many differing opinions on this forum. You will receive several different answers. Some may be good solid answers, some will conflict with the church you are attending, and even some will conflict with the Bible. I would advise you to ask the pastor of the church you are attending to sit down to a Bible study. This will help you better understand the doctrine. I would also advise you to carefully study the book of Acts with an emphasis on the method and mode of water baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The issues as far as facial hair holiness standards may be answered by your pastor, probably at a later date. These things are not usually addressed until after one has been baptized and received the Holy Ghost and been in church for some time. Many pastors will allow each individual to grow at their own pace. Growing in Christ must be a work of the Spirit.