[Mins] Admittance of non reformed folk to membership

[mins at crca.org.au]

Hi all

 

Greetings in Christ.

 

I am seeking input from others about how their churches deal with the
acceptance of non-reformed folk to communicant membership.

 

There appears to be two main models in reformed polity.  One is that of
confessional membership, and the other is where only the office bearers need
to agree to the confessions (for example, OPC).

 

In the past we have admitted some folk from Baptist backgrounds to
communicant membership with the proviso that they not be able to serve in
office due to not being able to sign the form of subscription.  

 

Presently we have several more families and individuals who wish to be part
of our fellowship, yet either hold to a position of Adult Baptism, or cannot
yet agree to the teachings of the doctrines of grace.  They have gone
through some catechism, they understand the issues, but cannot yet signify
whole hearted agreement.

 

In some of our forms (baptism and pro-faith), members are asked to signify
agreement with the teachings of the Word of God as taught in this Christian
Church.   That is part of what confessional membership is.

 

We want to embrace those who have sought to make our church their spiritual
home, but who do not (as yet) fully appreciate or understand our churches
confessional position.   But we are not sure how to proceed, or what long
term principles to put in place.  We want to avoid a two tier system of
first and second class citizens (full confessional members and associate
members).  We also do not want to act unilaterally as a church without
regard to denominational practice.

 

When such brothers and sisters are admitted to membership, how do we proceed
when they wish to get involved in teaching Sunday School and getting
involved in youth ministry.  And even stickier - how do we deal with adult
baptisms when the time arises, when adult baptism for them does not mean
much more than a profession of faith.  (These issues have not arisen yet).

 

Any input would be appreciated as our church council works through these
issues

 

Thanks for your consideration and time.

 

Peter Kossen.

 

 

 

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