Question of the Day ??
Last Friday's Question about whether or not people should be held accountable for their membership produced some good answers. Last Friday's Question about whether or not people should be held accountable for their membership produced some good answers. John B decided to post his response on his own blog because (I'm assuming) it was a long one (a good one too).
The bulk of the responses were that "yes" there should be some sort of accountability for members of a church. But even the answers bring about more questions (as Tony points out). So here's Tony's questions.
(you might want to read last Friday's question and answers first)
But which one of us will take the responsibility to decide if those mumbled yeses (sp.?) are sincere?
And then what do we do?
When we strip the insincere of their membership, where do they go?
They're certainly not coming back here where they have been made to feel unwelcome
Are they going to be nurtured into our concept of authentic discipleship out in the world?
Just askin....
posted by Greg Hazelrig @ 10:18 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Tony's probably right that those who are removed won't likely return. This is where the discussion about discipleship vs. membership begins.
Are we more concerned about making our annual membership reports to the DS look good? Or are we concerned about an individual's spiritual life? I don't think we do anyone a favor by allowing them to remain an inactive member. Perhaps if the illusion of that "I'm a church member therefore I am a Christian" is removed, the person may consider what really is the condition of their soul.
I can load you up with questions.
Answers, however, are in short supply.
The original question regarded accountablity for "personal spiritual growth and committment".
After thinking this over the past couple of days, I think I have come to the conclusion that "personal spiritual growth and committment" is just that: personal.
While new birth as a Christian is similar to the birth of an infant in many ways, one major difference is the process of maturing. If an infant does not walk, talk, potty train, etc. by certain points in time we become concerned that there may be developmental problems. There is no set timetable for sanctification, so who is to say that any particular person is not growing at an adequate pace?
Am I showing loyalty through my prayers, presence, gifts, and service to the utmost of my ability?
Probably not.
But then, who is?
This may be a lousy compromise, but how about listing a bunch of tough questions and having them just ask themselves? Let the Holy Spirit convict 'em. It might not generate pure accountability but would get you out of the thought police mode.
Great answers guys. And to be quite honest, those of us who pastor a church need to take these questions and more very seriously. But when we do, we need to make sure we look at it from both sides of the issue as we seem to be doing here. Keep on answering and keep on thinking.
In the love of Christ,
greg
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