Dave Bernard addresses beards

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Rico

Brother, the fact of the matter is that if a bearded man wanted to start going to your church there is very little you could to do to stop him. If you denied him entrance you would be leaving yourself open to a lawsuit that could cost your church its tax free status. You can not deny people their right to worship, even if they have beards. You just don't have that much power, hard as it may be for you to accept.

No I would NOT have the power to stop them from attending but they would NEVER be accepted as a member. I would treat them as a visitor until they died or left. They would not have any priviledge as a member.The congregation would know they are not a member and they would know they are not a member. Anyone can sit in the building but not everyone can be a member.

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

No I would NOT have the power to stop them from attending but they would NEVER be accepted as a member. I would treat them as a visitor until they died or left. They would not have any priviledge as a member.The congregation would know they are not a member and they would know they are not a member. Anyone can sit in the building but not everyone can be a member.

Thanks for the clarity! It's akin to a "platform" standard!! Soon you will go charismatic.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

Thanks for the clarity! It's akin to a "platform" standard!! Soon you will go charismatic.

NOT the same. A person with facial CANNOT be a member. Has nothing to do with being on the platform. I would NOT accept him as a member of this local assembly. He would be a visitor.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

NOT the same. A person with facial CANNOT be a member. Has nothing to do with being on the platform. I would NOT accept him as a member of this local assembly. He would be a visitor.

Did I miss the part in the conversation where you used Biblical evidence to back up your stance?

[Subdued]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Did I miss the part in the conversation where you used Biblical evidence to back up your stance?

Mich, didn't you read where he thinks Jesus' 1-2 day old stubble (not his beard) may have been plucked out with tweezers?

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

NOT the same. A person with facial CANNOT be a member. Has nothing to do with being on the platform. I would NOT accept him as a member of this local assembly. He would be a visitor.

You already stated that it is not a salvational issue. My question to you is, why the rule? Please give a real answer.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

You already stated that it is not a salvational issue. My question to you is, why the rule? Please give a real answer.

I am the pastor it is MY pastorial judgment men cannot have facial hair and be a member of this assembly very simple.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I am the pastor it is MY pastorial judgment men cannot have facial hair and be a member of this assembly very simple.

But what gives you the right to make arbitrary rules, that you have already admitted are not biblical, and use them as criteria by which you deny others membership in the local body and more importantly communion?

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Michlow

But what gives you the right to make arbitrary rules, that you have already admitted are not biblical, and use them as criteria by which you deny others membership in the local body and more importantly communion?

I am the pastor that gives me that right. I have the oversight here and I am responsible for the leadership of this local assembly. I will give an account NO ONE else.(Heb. 13:17)

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I am the pastor it is MY pastorial judgment men cannot have facial hair and be a member of this assembly very simple.

How did you come to this "judgement"?