Does Your Church Have Formal Membership?

[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?

[AreYouReady?]

If I went to any organized system regularly, I wouldn't join a formal membership.

[Bro. Robbins]

Well, I have to say that I liked it.... especially from an administration viewpoint.

I like that people make a public profession saying, this is my local fellowship, this is my pastor, and this is my local church family. I plan to support it with my finances, attendance, and unity.... and I plan to be active in it's mission. We also made sure that only members in good standing (supporting the church financially and in attendance) could vote on major issues before the congregation... only folks with skin in the game could be part of the decision process as to where we were headed.

I myself, like the differentiation between someone who is a member of that local church, and just someone who attends there from time to time. Back in the day, when you joined a Church of God, we used to take vows before the congregation.... to enter in unity and convenant with one another.

[acerrak]

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?

the upci that i used to attend had formal membership.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by acerrak

the upci that i used to attend had formal membership.

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.

[Bro. Robbins]

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.

That's informal membership... just attending and paying tithes. And that's what I've seen at most apostolic churches. Never seen in an Apostolic church where the pastor says, "If you want to formally join this local church as a member, please come forward..." like you see in other denominal churches.

I just like the line of membership/non membership to be more black and white especially when it comes to voting on matters.... but I suppose it doesn't matter if your congregation never votes on matters or has business sessions regarding finances.

[Sam]

Since spring 2006 my wife and I have been part of a Church called the Hamilton Dream Center. Their web site is http://www.hamiltondreamcenter.org/

We do not have a formal membership. If you go there and consider it your church then you are considered a member. Our pastor says that we are more of a ministry than a church. We have a pastor, a treasurer, and a secretary. We are a non-profit group so I assume there is a board or group of trustees who hold the title of the property in trust for legal purposes. We do not have business meetings but from time to time if there is a problem with finances it will be explained from the pulpit or in a meeting which has been called.

People are given a chance to sign a partnership agreement and expected to support the church in various ways as we can such as giving financially, praying for the pastor and church, attending services, serving in any way we are needed. (note: my wife and I have both signed this agreement soon after we started attending this church) We do not have deacons and elders but I am considered to be an "elder" and do some teaching/preaching. I am an ordained minister through that church but so are several other people that I don't even know who or where they are.

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 dreams 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.

[acerrak]

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

Well, I have to say that I liked it.... especially from an administration viewpoint.

I like that people make a public profession saying, this is my local fellowship, this is my pastor, and this is my local church family. I plan to support it with my finances, attendance, and unity.... and I plan to be active in it's mission. We also made sure that only members in good standing (supporting the church financially and in attendance) could vote on major issues before the congregation... only folks with skin in the game could be part of the decision process as to where we were headed.

I myself, like the differentiation between someone who is a member of that local church, and just someone who attends there from time to time. Back in the day, when you joined a Church of God, we used to take vows before the congregation.... to enter in unity and convenant with one another.

i really dont agree with this my self. no such thing ever existed in the bible. and limiting votes to tithers is really showing favortism.

so though i understand where you are comming from, your getting away from the Voice of God going to, we the people.

If we single people out we do no service to God cause we are making " figurative" the poor man sit on the floor, while we reserve a seat for the richman.

The church i attend. the preacher will tell you he cares less if you tithe or give money. He knows the bills have to get paid, but he isnt gonna bash people for not paying tithes or limit them because they dont give.

That is between them and God not him and man. so i personally disagree with this view. I think this is the fault of catholicism and what the reformation took from it. Though i have took a pledge like you stated in the church of God, i can look back now and not agree withit. I was young in the Lord and i figured that church would have stayed my home.

However when a new pastor took over I new i didnt want to stay there anymore cause of what was happening behind the pullpit. so i left that pledge.

My allegiance is to Jesus Christ and in that i will find people in the Body where ever I go.

[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.

[HRea]

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.