1. What are the two views of church membership? The first view is called the "open door" philosophy. Based on Romans 15, this view says to receive anyone into the congregation based on their profession of faith. The Baptist church is usually open door and averages one in attendance for every two on the role. With the open door, the new member comes under the discipline of the Word of God. The "pure" philosophy is more restrictive. This approach often has membership classes and sometimes has conduct statements to be signed. Most Representative/Episcopal organizations are more toward the pure philosophy of membership. With a pure philosophy, full membership in attendance is normal.
2. What are the Biblical arguments for church membership? Church membership is not discussed in the Bible. Neither is non-membership. However, everyone who got saved was considered to be a part of the fellowship. The church seems to include everyone in the Bible who gets saved. The Bible also speaks of numbers and adding, plus a list which someone must have been keeping.
3. List the four criteria for church membership. The four criteria are (1) profession of faith, (2) baptism, (3) correct doctrine, and (4) correct morals. Dr. Towns says that any misstatement of doctrine which might at some point be a basis for church discipline is also a basis for refusing membership. The same is true of morals. If an improper behavior can lead to excommunication or church discipline, then it should cause membership to be refused, as well.
4. Why is "profession" demanded for church membership? Profession does not ensure possession. However, in the Bible, when someone seemed to be receiving Christ, they were baptized and added to the church. In the case of a child, when salvation is understood and accepted, them membership should be granted, but probably on a non-voting basis.
5. Why should a person be baptized by immersion for church membership? In the New Testament, people professed Christ, were baptized, and then added to the church. Immersion cannot be absolutely proved. However, the word "baptizo" means to dip or immerse, and the preposition "eis" means into. Another argument is that baptism by immersion presents a picture of the death to sin, burial, and resurrection to a new life in Christ. Baptism is symbolic of what should be taking place in the heart of the believer.
6. What doctrine should a person know and agree with for church membership? Dr. Towns says that any misstatement of doctrine which might at some point be a basis for church discipline is also a basis for refusing membership.
7. What moral standards should determine church membership? The same is true of morals. If an improper behavior can lead to church discipline, then it should cause membership to be refused, as well.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 8 - The Office of Pastor and Deacon
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