Membership Policy
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All prospective members are reminded that both elders and pastor will do their utmost to be kind, gracious and considerate as they carry out their God given responsibility. We will stand ready to assist any one who might have a problem or need requiring special attention.
1. All prospective members will be asked to attend a new member’s class. They will be informed of Messiah’s commitment to the Reformed faith and how that is carried out in the by-laws of MIRC. All members will be required to sign off that they are in agreement with said by-laws. These prospective members names will then be referred to the elders. 2. Assuming that they are current members in good standing of a bible believing church, the elders may at their discretion decide whether or not to ask the prospective members to appear before the consistory. If however, these prospective members have made a profession of faith, but are not a member of a church they will be asked to attend a class with the Pastor (or elder if the pastor is unavailable). The pastor will then explain Messiah’s teaching regarding church membership as taught in scripture These subjects would include:
3. Assuming the elders are satisfied with their testimony, notice will be put in the church bulletin for two weeks (with opportunity for any valid objection). After which prospective members will be required to make a public reaffirmation of their faith and that they now submit to this body, to be joyfully received. 4. This procedure will be followed for any prospective member who, for whatever reason, has a lapsed or inactive membership. In this case it is assumed there is no discipline or unsettled issues outstanding; otherwise they would have to be dealt with first of all. Approved by the Elders November 29, 2005 |
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