While I see nothing inherently wrong with having a prospective new member of a local Baptist church fill out some sort of questionnare, I would take issue with some of the specific questions (and options for some of the answers to them) for the one that was posted on this topic.
From the one that was posted on this topic, I would assume that it came from a SBC church. However, the questions it posed and the options given for them smack of a very narrow-minded outlook of how other local Baptist churches are structured and operate.
Moreover, I would prefer this questionnaire be in a "fill-in-the-blank" rather than a multiple choice format.
If I were to edit this questionnaire, here's how I would do it:
#1 Approximately how long have you been a Christian?
#2 Have you been baptized by immersion after you received Christ as Savior? When and where did your baptism take place?
#3 Have you been faithful to attend the corporate worship services of the church of which you currently are a member?
#4 Have you been a consistent and faithful giver to the ministry(ies) of the church of which you are currently a member?
#5 In what ministries of the church of which you are currently a member did you participate?
(ex.: music, teaching, childrens, youth, visitation, prayer, visitation, etc.)
#6 What local church offices or positions have you filled in the church(es) of which you have been a member? (ex.: musician [piano/organ, etc., player; SS teacher; bus worker; youth/singles director, deacon, etc.]
#7 Why do you wish to beocme a member of this church?
#8 Have you had any formal Bible training? [Ex: Bible Institute, Correspondence/On line classes, Bible College, Seminary, etc.] If so, briefly describe what it/they was/were.
#9 What are your views on separation as a Christian? [ex.: from worldliness in general, and from practices that the Bible condemns]
#10 Do you agree with this church's doctrinal position as explained in our Statement of Faith?
If not, please explain the areas in which you would disagree.
#11 Are you willing to abide by the decisions that are made by those in authority in this church?
#12 Is there anything about our church's doctrines or practices that you would like to have further clairification? If so, please explain.
These are just some questions that I thought of off the top of my head. They are in no order of priority and I'm sure that they could be better worded. I'm sure that my Baptist Board friends could come up with some others that are even better than these.
My point however is this: I'd be a lot more comfortable filling out a questionnare similar to the one I've suggested than the one that was originally posted on this topic.
Comments?
