Does Your Church Have Formal Membership?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

I didn't sign the platform requirements.

[HRea]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

Which is why financial support should not be called "the tithe". The Old Testament tithe is a whole different concept from New Testament cheerful giving.

Many folks are not opposed to people giving 10% of their income as a regular way of giving and give additional offerings as they feel to do so. But when that 10% is called a "tithe", then folks howl about how we're returning to the OT Law, Levitical Priesthood, etc. Perhaps it would be better to let the individuals call their offerings to God whatever they'd like to call it, so long as it's free-will and cheerful.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I didn't sign the platform requirements.

platform requirements are whole 'nuther silly game we play

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Sam

platform requirements are whole 'nuther silly game we play

"We"? You got a mouse in your pocket?

Sherri stated that they have platform requirements.

[HRea]

Originally Posted by Sam

platform requirements are whole 'nuther silly game we play

I like games...it's how we keep the service going until something spiritual happens.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by HRea

I like games...it's how we keep the service going until something spiritual happens.

Oh my gosh, I feel like such a rebel today!!!!

[HRea]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Oh my gosh, I feel like such a rebel today!!!!

Uh oh, you're gonna get us both in trouble.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by HRea

Uh oh, you're gonna get us both in trouble.

I've only had one infraction in all the times I've posted from way back on FCF. I earned it on purpose.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I didn't sign the platform requirements.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

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.

I understand what you are saying. I did not understand that at first.

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

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.

I see. I am sorry that I did not understand what you were saying. I believe that it is sad that so many good churches will not fellowship one another for the apparent fear of pollution. I understand the need for caution, but good men should be willing to fellowship one another as long as they are walking in agreement.