How easy should it be for a Baptist church to accept a new member.

[Salty]

Not as long it is a church of like faith and practice. Their membership is transferred and are now under the watchcare of that church.

and how close does that "faith & practice" have to be"
Would a KJO church accept a member from a non- KJO? Other "minor" doctrines?

 

[unprofitable]

and how close does that "faith & practice" have to be"
Would a KJO church accept a member from a non- KJO? Other "minor" doctrines?

We are not KJO so that would not be an issue. It would depend on whether the text used would cause interpretional divisions or conflicts. We interpret the scripture on the basis of kingdom theology and any requesting membership would be told before hand.

 

[Salty]

We are not KJO so that would not be an issue. It would depend on whether the text used would cause interpretional divisions or conflicts. We interpret the scripture on the basis of kingdom theology and any requesting membership would be told before hand.

I was only using KJO as one example -- But lets turn that around - if you had a candidate for membership and they insisted that only the KJV be used - that ALL other versions are perverted - would you want that person to be a member of our local church.
The point I'm getting at is that to one a minor doctrine could be a major doctrine to another.

 

[unprofitable]

I was only using KJO as one example -- But lets turn that around - if you had a candidate for membership and they insisted that only the KJV be used - that ALL other versions are perverted - would you want that person to be a member of our local church.
The point I'm getting at is that to one a minor doctrine could be a major doctrine to another.

That would be the decision of the church as it has authority. I personally would vote against receiving that person as a member. What you call a minor doctrine could be a major distraction since that resulting in division in the church. We experienced that probably 50 years ago with certain members insisting a literal interpretation of all scriptures, They were excluded and we are still preaching the kingdom.

 

[unprofitable]

We would examine the scriptures that a potential member would present. If we were in disagreement it would seem appropriate to ask that member what about our doctrines caused them to want to be a part of us. If there were an impass, it would be better not to be joined to a potentially contentious member. Proverbs 21:9 says. "It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house." The wisdom of Solomon speaking by the spirit of Christ in him.

 

[Salty]

UP - I agree with your statement!s
However, how many churches actually do that?
Some are just so happy in getting new members - they immediately extend the right hand of fellowship

 

[unprofitable]

Y

UP - I agree with your statement!s
However, how many churches actually do that?
Some are just so happy in getting new members - they immediately extend the right hand of fellowship

You are right. Unfortunately we have had to exclude members who subsequently went to other churches and became members, We were never called or written by that church to inquire of that person's status while with us. I don't know if they even asked that person about past membership.
Surely that church at least asked if they had been baptized in the past which would have open up a lot more questions about the potential member.

 

[JesusFan]

This question came up from this other similar thread
My basic answer is that you become a Baptist when you join a Baptist church.

So what action should a church take before they accept an individual as a new member.
Attend a new members class
sit down and go over church doctrine (ie they speak in tongues - but want to join)
what is expected as a church member.
other?

be able to give a clear presentation of how and when were saved, when they were water baptized, and if they can agree with statement of faith of that local church

 

[Salty]

be able to give a clear presentation of how and when were saved, when they were water baptized, and if they can agree with statement of faith of that local church

I had started a Baptist church in Germany. I was the first pastor (while I was in the Army) My goal was to get a full time pastor. There was an individual who had come to Germany to be a missionary to the Germans; in spite of the fact he did not know German, nor have sufficient financial means for his time in Germany. It was recommended by someone that he candidate at our church. I spoke to him about the church and asked for his salvation testimony. "I joined the Navy, I got on Drugs, God saved me from drugs" That was litteraly his entire "salvation" testimony. He did preach that Sunday, - and gave the same exact "testimony".