Does Your Church Have Formal Membership?

[acerrak]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

No freedom in the Spirit because of carnal control of resources and of human beings.

yes so sad but so very true.

[houston]

Randy Wayne,

Maybe it's the pastors of small churches that steal...steel... s-t-e... um, that keep the tithe.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

The only churn are members shifting from one group to another -some would say "sheep stealing". In fact the whole thing reminds me somewhat of a giant game or RISK, only every church is a country and no one really wins... the borders just keep moving back and forth a few feet slowly over time. Money is always one of the BIG issues. The LOVE of it is truly the root of all evil.

I know of a church in this region who disapproved of one of their members marrying their spouse who was from the north. Persecution takes many forms. It isn't always a race issue.

These people usually marry within their own town...ie...church.

Gotta keep the money in the church.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

I know of a church in this region who disapproved of one of their members marrying their spouse who was from the north. Persecution takes many forms. It isn't always a race issue.

These people usually marry within their own town...ie...church.

Gotta keep the money in the church.

Now that IS something I experienced growing up in the church. Men were allowed to date outside the church because it meant when they married they brought a spouse into it. The women were basically screwed.

[AreYouReady?]

I have trouble wrapping my mind around this sort of restrictions...that it actually happens in America.

[houston]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

I have trouble wrapping my mind around this sort of restrictions...that it actually happens in America.

Ha. Where you from, Oz?

[AreYouReady?]

[Jay]

I have never heard of a man being encouraged to marry outside of the church for any reason.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Jay

I have never heard of a man being encouraged to marry outside of the church for any reason.

I believe that most are talking about marrying outside their four walls, not marrying outside the faith. There are many who violently disagree with marrying outside the four walls, as well as whatever the organization happens to be.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Jay

I have never heard of a man being encouraged to marry outside of the church for any reason.

Jay, I made mention of a certain UPC assembly in this region who frowned upon any of their congregation marrying someone from another UPC assembly. I probably did not explain myself well. They encourage the people to marry those already going to services within their own four walls.

One of their members married a northern person and that person was persecuted in subtle ways.

Another married a northern person and that marriage ended from adultery.

But back to the topic.

My opinion of formal memberships is that it stifles church growth because as acerrak says, people will feel left out over money and other issues.

Many people have a conviction that one should not make known when they give ...not to let your right hand know what your left hand does. They truly believe it takes their blessings in heaven away. That people knowing what you give...you have your reward here on earth when others know. Personally, I would trade not being able to vote, be a member in any church system down here as long as my God, who sees what I do in secret will reward me in heaven.