WHY
MEMBERSHIP?
As
pastor, I am occasionally asked why we maintain an official membership.
As you probably know by now, we do not pressure people to take this
step. We consider everyone who attends here a part of our church
family and minister to all with equal concern and commitment. Nevertheless,
we believe there are valid reasons for a membership process. Let
me share a few with you.
COMMITMENT: The concept of commitment has fallen on hard
times in our current culture. People avoid commitments at all costs
and often at great penalty to themselves and others. Marriages
are failing at an epidemic rate due to lack of commitment. Many
feel no loyalty to employers, employees, neighbors, friends, communities,
etc. One sociologist has described us as "a nation of leavers." This
spirit has found its way into the church as well. Many float from
church to church as if each assembly was merely another stop on
a spiritual smorgasbord! As soon as they find something they don't
appreciate, or encounter someone who offends them, they leave and
set up their tent elsewhere, being careful not to drive the pegs
too deep. We believe it's important to find a fellowship where
the Word is preached and practiced, put down roots, and work and
pray to the end that your church will bring glory and honor to
Christ. That's not always easy or painless, but it's mature and
fruitful.
PROTECTING THE TRUTH: A second reason why we believe in
membership is that it helps to preserve the doctrinal stand of
a fellowship against gradual erosion and drift. Each applicant
is required to read the statement of faith and state his or her
agreement with it. Questions are gladly answered by the pastors
and elders. We want you to know where we stand. You need to know
what we believe if you are going to be a participant in this ministry.
This process of membership helps explain why this church has been
in existence for over 100 years without any change in its doctrinal
stand. The Gospel has not been compromised by unscriptural fads,
and our people are not confused by competing teachings.
LEADERSHIP: Finally, in order to protect the doctrinal stand
of Allegheny Center Alliance Church, it is essential that those
who hold leadership positions be in harmony with the church's convictions.
It is likewise critical that those who recognize and affirm leadership
in our annual elections be persuaded of the same beliefs and motivated
by the same commitment. That is why the privileges of voting and
holding church office are open only to official members.
There are other very practical reasons why we practice membership, but these
examples will help you understand our mindset. God is a God of order, and the
church does not need to be spontaneous and unorganized in order to be spiritual.
In fact, the Word teaches us that true liberty is only found within prescribed
boundaries.
If this explanation doesn't fully address your questions or concerns, I invite
you to express these matters to our elders or to me personally. My e-mail address
is Rock.Dillaman@acac.net
Grace & truth,
Rockwell Dillaman
Senior Pastor
