Does Your Church Have Formal Membership?

[acerrak]

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

[RandyWayne]

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]

Originally Posted by acerrak

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.

LOL, was waiting for the "wasn't in the Bible" reply... neither were keyboards, electric lights, air conditioning or pa systems, but they sure are tools that are helpful....lol.

As far as the poor man, rich man... that's a bit of a bad analogy.... that would mean the more one gives the more of a vote the man gets. Not so... it's just saying, those who do not invest in that local assembly shouldn't get equal vote of those who do. They don't tie the vote to the amount of the tithe, but whether or not the person tithes.

But to be in good standing, you also have to be faithful in attendance, and other items. A person could be a member of a church (have their name on the roll), but have not been there in 2 years.... that would be a member "not in good standing.". So they wouldn't have a vote either. See, church's that have formal membership can't remove someone from their rolls except for certain, distinct reasons.... so they then have to have members in good standing or not classifications.

[Bro. Robbins]

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]

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

LOL, was waiting for the "wasn't in the Bible" reply... neither were keyboards, electric lights, air conditioning or pa systems, but they sure are tools that are helpful....lol.

As far as the poor man, rich man... that's a bit of a bad analogy.... that would mean the more one gives the more of a vote the man gets. Not so... it's just saying, those who do not invest in that local assembly shouldn't get equal vote of those who do. They don't tie the vote to the amount of the tithe, but whether or not the person tithes.

But to be in good standing, you also have to be faithful in attendance, and other items. A person could be a member of a church (have their name on the roll), but have not been there in 2 years.... that would be a member "not in good standing.". So they wouldn't have a vote either. See, church's that have formal membership can't remove someone from their rolls except for certain, distinct reasons.... so they then have to have members in good standing or not classifications.

all though we have Pa systems etc etc. those are material things, and the 1st church in the 1st century shared all material things.

Like i said i understand your part but still i havent seen a reason for such things.

the grecians widows was murmuring because they was being neglected by the hebrews in food distribution. we must be carefull to not allow that to happen.

[AreYouReady?]

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]

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.

[acerrak]

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.

[AreYouReady?]

My brother was vulnerable to this teaching when he lived in the northwest. His wife called it "god-casino" teachings.

My brother decided to prove it by going to one of those pay-day loan places and borrow $400 to give to the pastor ...for some reason or another.

To me, that money was not given in faith, but more of a let's temp God to prove if what is taught about money is true or not.

He not only had to pay that $400 back, but he had to pay 40% or so interest.

He threw his wife "under the bus" [figuratively speaking] deflecting the blame why he did not tithe onto her when pinned down by the pastor.

It caused real problems between them.

[AreYouReady?]

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.