and how close does that "faith & practice" have to be"
Would a KJO church accept a member from a non- KJO? Other "minor" doctrines?
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How easy should it be for a Baptist church to accept a new member.
- Thread starter Salty
- Start date
Would a KJO church accept a member from a non- KJO? Other "minor" doctrines?
unprofitable
Active Member
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
Active Member
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
Active Member
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.
unprofitable
Active Member
Y
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.
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.
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".
unprofitable
Active Member
Came to believe I was a sinner and did not want to go to hell and that Jesus would save me if I just had enough faith, baptized twice by full immersion around 11 and again around 13 because I questioned whether I was saved the first time. I was baptized the second time in a church whose doctrinal system has continued to grow. Saw the kingdom understanding aroung 20 years ago.
God decides who are the called out members of His family, we gather professing members of that body as members of our local assemblies. Some are tares, so we preach both to the lost and to the choir. I believe sometimes a "re-dedication" is actually an acknowledgement of salvation.
All this to say we should not be too persnickety with our "membership" criteria" for first time members. People coming from other churches, whether from a similar belief system or further afield, need to be in agreement with our "What we believe" statement. Unless physically unable, we require our members to be water baptized by full immersion. We also want them to make a public declaration of faith, and describe if possible, their changed life.
We offer a new members class, and a more rigorous discipleship program.
The real danger, in my opinion, is to tell someone, over the age of 12, that they must wait, rather than accept them just as they are! We are a hospital for sinners, and not just a hotel for saints.
All this to say we should not be too persnickety with our "membership" criteria" for first time members. People coming from other churches, whether from a similar belief system or further afield, need to be in agreement with our "What we believe" statement. Unless physically unable, we require our members to be water baptized by full immersion. We also want them to make a public declaration of faith, and describe if possible, their changed life.
We offer a new members class, and a more rigorous discipleship program.
The real danger, in my opinion, is to tell someone, over the age of 12, that they must wait, rather than accept them just as they are! We are a hospital for sinners, and not just a hotel for saints.
I have seen and heard too many so called testimonies where the person said Jesus a bit, but seemed far more about what they had chosen to do, what they had done and said etc
unprofitable
Active Member
Ascetic X
Well-Known Member
When I got saved as a teenager in a Mennonite church camp, my focus was more on being saved from hell, than on being saved from sins. I had not committed any horrendous sins and even considered my testimony to be bland and boring.
I wish I would have realized that sinning makes you physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually weak. You become easy prey for the forces of darkness and evil influencers.
Going to heaven when you die is not the main thing about salvation.
Going to heaven when you die AND bringing others into heaven when they die is the main thing. We get born again so we can think and act like Jesus as much as possible. A requirement for true disciples is to take your cross of suffering and persecution, enduring tragedies and heartbreaks, and persisting in loving obedience till the end.
Understanding repentance and discipleship is of paramount importance. Separation from worldliness, devout living, and reverence toward God and spiritual realities are key. It is so easy to have one foot in the Word and one foot in the world, thinking you are doing fine.
I wish I would have realized that sinning makes you physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually weak. You become easy prey for the forces of darkness and evil influencers.
Going to heaven when you die is not the main thing about salvation.
Going to heaven when you die AND bringing others into heaven when they die is the main thing. We get born again so we can think and act like Jesus as much as possible. A requirement for true disciples is to take your cross of suffering and persecution, enduring tragedies and heartbreaks, and persisting in loving obedience till the end.
Understanding repentance and discipleship is of paramount importance. Separation from worldliness, devout living, and reverence toward God and spiritual realities are key. It is so easy to have one foot in the Word and one foot in the world, thinking you are doing fine.