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Becoming a Member in Other Denominations

Becoming a Member in Other Denominations. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. A realistic title A dangerous title Interviewed twenty-two different clergy from other denominations Investigated online. Baptist.

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Becoming a Member in Other Denominations

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  1. Becoming a Member in Other Denominations The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

  2. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly • A realistic title • A dangerous title • Interviewed twenty-two different clergy from other denominations • Investigated online

  3. Baptist • Three ways to become a member: Altar Call/Baptism, Letter, Statement • Practice varies considerably • Local churches have at most one face to face with pastor before being received • Larger churches have more organized classes/orientation (3-6 weeks, often led by members) • Small group Bible Study churches have discipleship courses – but not required

  4. Reformed • Practice varies greatly • Local church has eight week course on Bible basics • They then meet with the church elders, sign a membership covenant and are receive publicly in worship

  5. Presbyterian • Practices vary considerably (especially between conservative and liberal churches) • Local pastor has the goal of meeting four times (rarely is able to) to cover essentials of Christian faith and little Church History • Children have a six week confirmation course • They are supposed to meet with the session (the governing board) to be examined, but rarely happens

  6. Episcopal • Inquirers Class (both priest and lay led) • Each priest puts together his/her own curriculum • Local priest has six classes covering the Sacraments, Creeds and Apostolic Succession • Catechism in Prayer Book • Bishop conducts confirmation rite and laying on of hands

  7. Methodist • Profession of faith (ecumenical creeds, acceptance of Jesus) and the five vows (prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness) • Practice varies considerably • Prospects with background in other Christian churches usually meet with the pastor once to talk about differences and to make sure they understand the vows. • Prospects with no background in Christianity are often given a 3-10 week course similar to their children’s catechism which is usually about 10 weeks long. • Some controversy in recent years as to what constitutes membership (baptized vs. professing members)

  8. Pentecostal • Must have accepted Christ and been baptized by water and the Spirit • Practices vary greatly • Usually expected to attend faithfully for a period of time (more than a year) • No formal classes or orientation • Agree to bylaws of congregation • “Have proved themselves worthy” (two years of faithful attendance and tithing)

  9. Church of Christ • Lots of variety • They have no formal training for their preaching pastors • Local pastor meets with prospects four times (to explain authentic Christianity, the corruption of denominations and how we are not saved by faith alone)

  10. Roman Catholic • RICA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults) • Curriculum varies according to the priest (though much more structured than other denominations) • A couple months to a year (mostly lay led) • What it means to be a Catholic and the Sacraments • Culminates in Baptism at Easter Vigil (if not baptized), followed by confirmation

  11. Orthodox • Varies somewhat • Regular attendance (usually a year) • Reading assignments and asking questions • Six weeks of catechesis • Formal letter to bishop, followed by chrysmos, baptism and anointing

  12. Lutherans (ELCA, LCMC, NALC) • Most have one sit down with pastor to discuss what it means to be a Lutheran and a brief orientation • Local LCMC church gives every new member a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism and Tom Rainer’s book I’m a Church Member

  13. Lutheran (LCMS) • Practice varies much like in WELS • Both pastors I spoke with had 12 lesson BIC classes • Both lamented the fact it was hard to get people to commit and find time to meet • The more liberal of the two gave up • Uses God Connects – 12 week on-line course provided by Lutheran Hour Ministries

  14. Observations • As in the days of the Judges… • Evaluate. It would be helpful for our synod/seminary to offer guidelines as to what should be included in membership classes to encourage uniformity in practice.

  15. Observations • Most lament the fact they don’t do more… Blame people not being willing to commit to studying. • The majority of Christians are woefully undereducated as to what their churches teach and what the Bible says. • A 2008 survey: 44% left the faith of their childhood or switched denominations. • Who is to blame? Explain your answer.

  16. Observations • A couple of churches used a “probationary” period of attendance in place of formal studies. • What are the pros and cons of such an approach? • A handful of churches used self-directed courses, online classes or videos. • What are the pros and cons of such an approach?

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