[Mins] Admittance of non reformed folk to membership

[mins at crca.org.au]

Hi Peter,

In 2007, Classis NSW put together the attached guidelines for our 
churches in ACT/NSW.  I'm not sure if this helps significantly, but it 
arose out of a similar set of questions to what you're asking.

Blessings,
Simon van der Wel


On 2/04/2013 6:51 PM, mins at crca.org.au wrote:
>
> 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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