Does Your Church Have Formal Membership? - Page 2

acerrak · #1 05-29-2012, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I was always under the impression that nearly every church had a formal membership roster. Usually there was not a big deal made of it and I certainly can't think of an instance where anyone was made to recite any vows in front of the pastor or congregation (which I wouldn't do -even if I agreed with them). As long as you paid your tithes and attended every service, you were in.

to be a member of the upci you had to look and act like them. that means if a women wants to be a member she would have to adhire to the dress code set fourth by them.

This was a discussion that me and my former pastor had at one time. also along with the regulation though not as many for man as well. including no facial hair on the platform. this means choir, musicians, preaching etc

AreYouReady? · #2 05-29-2012, 12:55 PM

If people want to take vows, claim a man as their pastor and local church assembly, support through finances and attendance...I suppose that there's no harm in it.

I also realize and respect that as a non-member, I would not be allowed to vote in church matters. It does not necessarily mean that I would not be providing financial assistance to the church I attend because I take no vows of membership. The church or pastor will never know my contributions.

HRea · #3 05-29-2012, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

I've noticed since coming to the Apostolic movement, very few Apostolic churches have "membership". It's pretty much if you attend there, that's your church. Very different, since I'm so used to church's having formal membership.

So, does your church have formal membership, or not? Any reason why one way or the other?

Yes, our church has a formal membership and we have informal membership. Both are considered equal as for as pastoral care, participation in service (including singing special, ministering, communion, etc), but only formal members can vote during business meeting. We don't make a fuss over this except at any business meeting.

RandyWayne · #4 05-29-2012, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

If people want to take vows, claim a man as their pastor and local church assembly, support through finances and attendance...I suppose that there's no harm in it.

I also realize and respect that as a non-member, I would not be allowed to vote in church matters. It does not necessarily mean that I would not be providing financial assistance to the church I attend because I take no vows of membership. The church or pastor will never know my contributions.

Member or not, I've never written my givings on a donation envelope. Quite honestly I don't want the pastor (or anyone else) to know if I've given 10, 50, 100 or 1000 (or more) on any given week/month/year.

Bro. Robbins · #5 05-29-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Member or not, I've never written my givings on a donation envelope. Quite honestly I don't want the pastor (or anyone else) to know if I've given 10, 50, 100 or 1000 (or more) on any given week/month/year.

My parents give cash and never record their giving in anyway, therefore the church has no record as well. However, they both know as well they can't vote in business sessions, and can't serve in any church office, like SS Teacher, Deacon, etc since there is no record to show they support that local church with their finances.

acerrak · #6 05-29-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

My parents give cash and never record their giving in anyway, therefore the church has no record as well. However, they both know as well they can't vote in business sessions, and can't serve in any church office, like SS Teacher, Deacon, etc since there is no record to show they support that local church with their finances.

and this is a good example of why, and Im not picking at you but this is a really good reason why it shouldnt be a factor of such things. cause your parents have been segregated because of the lack of record because of tithes.

AreYouReady? · #7 05-29-2012, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

My parents give cash and never record their giving in anyway, therefore the church has no record as well. However, they both know as well they can't vote in business sessions, and can't serve in any church office, like SS Teacher, Deacon, etc since there is no record to show they support that local church with their finances.

So...I guess the Apostles would not be able to take part in the building's business. Sometimes God uses the poorest of the poor to deliver his Word to others.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

(Acts 3:6)

The best teachings would go elsewhere.

Bro. Robbins · #8 05-29-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

So...I guess the Apostles would not be able to take part in the building's business. Sometimes God uses the poorest of the poor to deliver his Word to others.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

(Acts 3:6)

The best teachings would go elsewhere.

So because someone is poor they don't have anything to give? Even when I was broke... I had something to give... even if it's a penny......

It sounds like your debate is about giving... and that's not what I started this thread about... so if you want to discuss giving, etc... would be glad to but will need another thread started. This thread is about does your church have formal membership, and if it does or doesn't....why or why not.

AreYouReady? · #9 05-29-2012, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Member or not, I've never written my givings on a donation envelope. Quite honestly I don't want the pastor (or anyone else) to know if I've given 10, 50, 100 or 1000 (or more) on any given week/month/year.

Thirty years ago, my "instruction" about tithing included that if you give your 10%, you can take it off on your charitable contributions at the end of the tax year.

I also was told that you cannot outgive God when giving your tithes and offerings. No mention of alms.....

While this is very true, I am of the belief that giving is between man and God. I further believe that God blesses because of our faith that He will provide for his children, not because I gave a certain percentage of my income to the organized church system.

acerrak · #10 05-29-2012, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

Thirty years ago, my "instruction" about tithing included that if you give your 10%, you can take it off on your charitable contributions at the end of the tax year.

I also was told that you cannot outgive God when giving your tithes and offerings. No mention of alms.....

While this is very true, I am of the belief that giving is between man and God. I further believe that God blesses because of our faith that He will provide for his children, not because I gave a certain percentage of my income to the organized church system.

if you really want to get into tithes it was for the levites, under the old covenant, However God does love a cheerful giver.