Our small messianic congregation (averages 20 or so each sabbath) has existed since 2010 without formal membership and our first-time congregation leader of a year and a half is moving towards instituting membership. As part of the leadership team for the congregation, I have been asked to provide feedback on a membership application form. Since its revision, the form is now 4 pages long, not counting the testimony it asks people to write nor the 3-1/2 page statement of faith (new, but is that of our umbrella organization). Apparently it is based on a standard form that many (larger?) messianic congregations are using.
Partly it feels like a lot of red tape, partly I don't know how well it will be ascribed to by many people who tend to be 'come and go regulars' and/or have disparate theological views or may have membership reservations for other reasons. As for me I will confess I might be a bit biased against the concept of membership since it is forcing me to make a decision between this congregation and another non-messianic congregation I am also active in. In both as long as they've been around. But maybe it will be a good thing, even change is hard and if I don't like it in my circumstances.
Are there key questions one should or shouldn't ask? (In Canada.) Thoughts on these?
Are you a convicted felon or have been charged with and crime or felony at any time in your life?
Do you agree to support this congregation with tithes and offerings?
No mention is made in either document of orientation to avoid accusations of discrimination, but the form asks specifically for Husband's/Wife's names.
The form is meant to be a first step in the membership process, and membership classes and teaching programs to follow. As far as I know baptism/mikvah will not be required, I understand that teaching on this will be part of the shepherding process and perhaps is too complicated a question for our movement to make a part of the requirements. Ideally I think it should be. How do other messianic congregations handle this?
I am also concerned that this may result in an imbalance down the line, either of less mature members making decisions in congregational meetings, or (more likely) more decisions being taken out of membership hands. Then again this last may happen anyway. Participation in adhoc committees recently created to do the work of events and such is great to see. But the strongest on our leadership team have been leaving, plus our input has become more limited.
I'm musing, I guess, and looking for wisdom and mature/pastoral perspectives on the topic of membership and membership requirements in general. Thanks for any thoughts!
Partly it feels like a lot of red tape, partly I don't know how well it will be ascribed to by many people who tend to be 'come and go regulars' and/or have disparate theological views or may have membership reservations for other reasons. As for me I will confess I might be a bit biased against the concept of membership since it is forcing me to make a decision between this congregation and another non-messianic congregation I am also active in. In both as long as they've been around. But maybe it will be a good thing, even change is hard and if I don't like it in my circumstances.
Are there key questions one should or shouldn't ask? (In Canada.) Thoughts on these?
Are you a convicted felon or have been charged with and crime or felony at any time in your life?
Do you agree to support this congregation with tithes and offerings?
No mention is made in either document of orientation to avoid accusations of discrimination, but the form asks specifically for Husband's/Wife's names.
The form is meant to be a first step in the membership process, and membership classes and teaching programs to follow. As far as I know baptism/mikvah will not be required, I understand that teaching on this will be part of the shepherding process and perhaps is too complicated a question for our movement to make a part of the requirements. Ideally I think it should be. How do other messianic congregations handle this?
I am also concerned that this may result in an imbalance down the line, either of less mature members making decisions in congregational meetings, or (more likely) more decisions being taken out of membership hands. Then again this last may happen anyway. Participation in adhoc committees recently created to do the work of events and such is great to see. But the strongest on our leadership team have been leaving, plus our input has become more limited.
I'm musing, I guess, and looking for wisdom and mature/pastoral perspectives on the topic of membership and membership requirements in general. Thanks for any thoughts!
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