Membership letters??!

aak1972 · #1 12-02-2008, 09:51 AM

I was made aware a few weeks ago that at the church my parents are a member of the pastor has issued membership letters. And if you dont sign the letter you are not a voting member but your still on the books. This letter contains some very questionable wording. The pastor told some of the founding members of the church they were not "members". Have any of you had to sign any membership letters?? And if you are not a voting member should you still pay your tithes there?? This is the same church in the MS district that there is a thread on about being sued.

deltaguitar · #2 12-02-2008, 10:23 AM

What do the bylaws say? The pastor is probably trying to establish a voting roll because there will probably be a vote.

MissBrattified · #3 12-02-2008, 10:24 AM

Well, simply put, voting on business matters is simply business, and I think only those willing to invest time and funds into the business of the church should have the right to participate in decisions made regarding said business.

Digging4Truth · #4 12-02-2008, 10:25 AM

Nope... never heard of such a thing.

Sounds like a "You can't vote unless you agree with me" letter.

MissBrattified · #5 12-02-2008, 10:26 AM

Our church has a basic "Membership Agreement." I had no problem signing it. It protects the constituency just as much as it protects the leadership.

aak1972 · #6 12-02-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltaguitar

What do the bylaws say? The pastor is probably trying to establish a voting roll because there will probably be a vote.

Well the bylaws will depend on if the church stays WPF or goes back to UPC. If it stays WPF there will be no bylaws.

Digging4Truth · #7 12-02-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aak1972

Well the bylaws will depend on if the church stays WPF or goes back to UPC. If it stays WPF there will be no bylaws.

Is there a vote coming up about changing organizational affiliations?

jtork · #8 12-02-2008, 10:58 AM

I know someone who was told by this pastor that she could not vote because she did not pay her tithes however she does contribute cash to offerings when she can. He did not care that she is not physically able to work thus has no income. Her husband does work but does not go to church and I am sure after the pastor did that to her he is running to the church to pay tithes on his earnings. Oh wait - we are talking about the letter - got off track there - I sure would like to see a copy of the letter.

aak1972 · #9 12-02-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Is there a vote coming up about changing organizational affiliations?

The vote has already taken place. But it was not done according to the bylaws of the UPC or the church.. So they are tryin to get the vote redone correctly.

aak1972 · #10 12-02-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtork

I know someone who was told by this pastor that she could not vote because she did not pay her tithes however she does contribute cash to offerings when she can. He did not care that she is not physically able to work thus has no income. Her husband does work but does not go to church and I am sure after the pastor did that to her he is running to the church to pay tithes on his earnings. Oh wait - we are talking about the letter - got off track there - I sure would like to see a copy of the letter.

I have a copy and if I can figure out how to post it on here I will.