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Membership Matters

Membership Matters. 7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules”. They show to the world God’s ideal life. 7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules”. Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Some reflect “holiness differentiation.”.

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Membership Matters

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  1. Membership Matters ..... Keith Drury

  2. 7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” They show to the world God’s ideal life. ..... Keith Drury

  3. 7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Some reflect “holiness differentiation.” ..... Keith Drury

  4. 7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. ..... Keith Drury

  5. 7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. Some become more prominent (mostly the bans… for instance: Alcohol Smoking Gambling Secret societies Tongues ..... Keith Drury

  6. 7 General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” • Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. • Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” • “Collective convictions” cement them. • Some become more prominent • Some are hardly known For instance… ..... Keith Drury

  7. True-False TestIn our Membership Commitments we promise to… T/F Give to the needy. T/F Have family devotions. T/F Have personal devotions. T/F Practice fasting. T/F Give food to hungry people. T/F Give clothing to the destitute. T/F Visit people who are sick. T/F Visit people in prison. T/F Respect individual rights regardless of race, color or sex. ..... Keith Drury

  8. General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. Some become more prominent Some are hardly known Many are subjective. For example…. ..... Keith Drury

  9. 6. Many are subjective. • Honor the Lord’s day by avoiding detracting activities. • Walk in Christian fellowship with other Christians at church with gentleness and affection. • Demonstrate love, purity and courtesy to everyone. • Respect individual rights regardless of race, color or sex. ..... Keith Drury

  10. General observations on our membership commitments…or “rules” Theologically they show the world God’s ideal life. Yet, some reflect “holiness differentiation.” “Collective convictions” cement them. Some become more prominent Some are hardly known Many are subjective. They are incomplete. For example…. ..... Keith Drury

  11. We promise in our Membership Commitments… T/F We will not get an abortion except in some exceptional cases. T/F As a medical professional we will not performabortions. T/F We will not get a sex-change operation nor practice gender cross-dressing. (They are incomplete) ..... Keith Drury

  12. A Bit of Historical Perspective ..... Keith Drury

  13. A Bit of Historical Perspective • The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) ..... Keith Drury

  14. Membership DO’s from the Didachec. 60-100AD -Ignore social status in correcting others -Focus on giving more then getting -Cheerfully give without grumbling to those in need -Be active in training my children -Treat my slaves rightly; -Slaves should be subject to masters -Hate hypocrisy -Give to those in need -Keep these rules (Adding nothing & taking nothing away) -Confess my failings in church (1:3-6) (3:7-4:14) -Love my enemies -Pray for enemies -Fast for enemies -Turn my other cheek -Go the second mile -Give generously to anyone asking -Be gentle -Be merciful, harmless, calm & good (Not be self-exalting) -Accept all experiences as from God -Remember constantly my mentor & other saints in the church -(Not cause dissention but reconcile those fighting) ..... Keith Drury

  15. Membership Don’t’s from the Didache Hating any person Anger Envy Contentiousness Hot-headed Lustful Divining Enchanting, astrology Lover of money Seeker of glory Self-pleasing, evil-minded (5:1-2) Murders Adulteries Lusts Illicit sex acts Thefts Idolatries Magic Potions Sorceries (2:1-3:6) Murder Commit adultery Corrupt boys Have illicit sex Steal Practice magic Make potions Abort offspring Kill a newborn Covet things Swear falsely Bear false witness Speak badly of anyone Hold a grudge Empty promises Covetousness Greed Hypocrisy Bad-manners Arrogance Perjuries Hypocrisies Double-heartedness Trickery Arrogance Malice Self-pleasing Greed Foul-speech Jealousy Audacity Haughtiness False-pretension Hating truth Loving lies Paying unjust wages Not helping the poor Murdering children Turning away needy Advocating for the rich Loving frivolous things Insisting on recompense   ..... Keith Drury

  16. A Bit of Historical Perspective • The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) • Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. ..... Keith Drury

  17. A Bit of Historical Perspective • The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) • Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. • However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine. ..... Keith Drury

  18. A Bit of Historical Perspective • Thomas Welch • Vineland N.J. • Prohibitionist • Methodist communion steward. • Pasteurized grape juice to make “Dr. Welch’s unfermented wine” --1869 ..... Keith Drury

  19. A Bit of Historical Perspective • The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) • Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. • However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine. • WM’s condemned tobacco @ 1860 GC but did not ban it until 1927. ..... Keith Drury

  20. A Bit of Historical Perspective • The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) • Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. • However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine. • WM’s condemned tobacco @ 1860 GC but did not ban it until 1927. • Wesleyans adopted the Methodist Protestant’s (1828)“Elementary Principles” ..... Keith Drury

  21. Wesleyan Elementary principles 270. Christ is the only Head of the Church, and the Word of God the only rule of faith and conduct. 272. No person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and obeys the gospel of God our Savior, ought to be deprived of church membership. 274. Every person has an inalienable right to private judgment in matters of religion, and an equal right to express personal opinions in any way which will not violate the laws of God or the rights of others. 276. All church trials should be conducted on gospel principles only; and no minister or member should be excommunicated except for immorality, the propagation of unchristian doctrines, or for neglect of duties enjoined by the Word of God. 278. The pastoral or ministerial office and duties are of divine appointment, and all ordained ministers in the church of God are equal; but ministers are forbidden to be lords over God’s heritage, or to have dominion over the faith of the saints. 280. The Church has a right to form and enforce such rules and regulations only as are in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, and may be necessary or have a tendency to carry into effect the great system of practical Christianity. 282. Whatever power may be necessary to the formation of rules and regulations is inherent in the ministers and members of the Church; but so much of that power may be delegated from time to time, upon a plan of representation, as they may judge necessary and proper. 284. It is the duty of all ministers and members of the Church to maintain godliness and oppose all moral evil. 286. It is obligatory upon ministers of the gospel to be faithful in the discharge of their pastoral and ministerial duties, and it is also obligatory upon the members to esteem ministers highly for their works’ sake, and to render them a righteous compensation for their labors. Methodist Protestant Elementary Principles 1. A Christian Church is a society of believers in Jesus Christ, and is of Divine institution. 2. Christ is the only Head of the Church, and the Word of God the only rule of faith and conduct. 3. No person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and obeys the Gospel of God our Saviour, ought to be deprived of church membership. 4. Every man has an inalienable right to private judgment in matters of religion, and an equal right to express his opinion in any way which will not violate the laws of God, or the rights of his fellowmen. 5. Church trials should be conducted on Gospel principles only; and no minister or member should be excommunicated except for immorality; the propagation of unchristian doctrines; or the neglect of duties enjoined by the Word of God. 6. The pastoral or ministerial office and duties are of Divine appointment; and all elders in the Church of God are equal; but ministers are forbidden to be lords over God’s heritage, or to have dominion over the faith of the saints. 7. The church has a right to form and enforce such rules and regulations only as are in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, and may be necessary, or have a tendency to carry into effect the great system of practical Christianity. 8. Whatever power may be necessary to the formation of rules and regulations is inherent in the ministers and members of the church; but so much of that power may be delegated, from time to time, upon such a plan of representation as they may judge necessary and proper. 9. It is the duty of all ministers and members of the church to maintain godliness, and to oppose all moral evil. 10. It is obligatory on ministers of the Gospel to be faithful in the discharge of their pastoral and ministerial duties; and it is also obligatory on the members to esteem ministers highly for their works’ sake, and to render them a righteous compensation for their labors. 11. The church ought to secure to all her official bodies the necessary authority for the purpose of good government; but she has no right to create any distinct or independent sovereignties. Credit: Wes McCallum ..... Keith Drury

  22. A Bit of Historical Perspective • The early church had membership commitments. (the Didache) • Wesleyans were tee-totalers from 1843—the first denomination in America to require total abstinence. • However until 1869 there was no alternative for communion wine. • WM’s condemned tobacco @ 1860 GC but did not ban it until 1927. • Wesleyans adopted the Methodist Protestant’s (1828)“Elementary Principles” • Wesleyan thinking pervaded the temperance movement ..... Keith Drury

  23. The Temperance Movement • The temperance movement attempted to reduce greatly the amount of alcohol consumed or even prohibit its production and consumption entirely... In predominantly Christian countries, forms of Christianity influenced by Wesleyan views on sanctification have strongly supported it at times. More specifically, religious or moralistic beliefs have often been the catalyst for temperance, though secular advocates do exist. The Women's Christian Temperance Union is a prominent example of a religion-based temperance movement. • Most of the biggest supporters in all countries have been women, often as part of what some describe as feminism. The strong temperance movements of the early 20th century found most of their support in women who were opposed to the domestic violence associated with alcohol, and the large share of household income it would swallow, which was especially burdensome to the low-income working class http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperance_movement ..... Keith Drury

  24. Why Membership Commitments change ..... Keith Drury

  25. Why Membership Commitments change • Generational convictions change. ..... Keith Drury

  26. Why Membership Commitments change • Generational convictions change. • Culture changes ..... Keith Drury

  27. Why Membership Commitments change • Generational convictions change. • Culture changes • Worldliness ..... Keith Drury

  28. Why Membership Commitments change • Generational convictions change. • Culture changes • Worldliness • Transfer growth ..... Keith Drury

  29. How membership rules change ..... Keith Drury

  30. How membership rules change • Slow and steady advocacy. ..... Keith Drury

  31. How membership rules change • Slow and steady advocacy. • Widespread rebellion. ..... Keith Drury

  32. How membership rules change • Slow and steady advocacy. • Widespread rebellion. • Denominational Merger. ..... Keith Drury

  33. How membership rules change • Slow and steady advocacy. • Widespread rebellion. • Denominational Merger. • Top-down action. ..... Keith Drury

  34. How Wesleyans debate • We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral • Bible— We quote verses ..... Keith Drury

  35. How Wesleyans debate • We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral • Bible— We quote verses • Tradition— The dead get a vote ..... Keith Drury

  36. How Wesleyans debate • We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral • Bible— We quote verses • Tradition— The dead get a vote • Reason— Science is relevant ..... Keith Drury

  37. How Wesleyans debate • We use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral • Bible— We quote verses • Tradition— The dead get a vote • Reason— Science is relevant • Experience— stories accepted. ..... Keith Drury

  38. When we debate we consider the Unintended Consequences • Adult Class Super Bowl party ..... Keith Drury

  39. In wisdom we try to consider the Unintended Consequences For example…. • Adult Class Super Bowl party • College faculty members ..... Keith Drury

  40. Ten Ideas Floating around ..... Keith Drury

  41. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. ..... Keith Drury

  42. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. ..... Keith Drury

  43. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. ..... Keith Drury

  44. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. • Make two tiers: Members and leaders. ..... Keith Drury

  45. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. • Make two tiers: Members and leaders. • Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. ..... Keith Drury

  46. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. • Make two tiers: Members and leaders. • Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. • Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. ..... Keith Drury

  47. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. • Make two tiers: Members and leaders. • Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. • Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. • Make all membership local and non-transferable. ..... Keith Drury

  48. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. • Make two tiers: Members and leaders. • Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. • Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. • Make all membership local and non-transferable. • Move one/more rules to non-binding “Special Directions” ..... Keith Drury

  49. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. • Make two tiers: Members and leaders. • Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. • Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. • Make all membership local and non-transferable. • Move one/more rules to non-binding “Special Directions” • Rather than commitments from members make them commitment to members. ..... Keith Drury

  50. Ten Ideas Floating around • Make no change. • Wait ‘til later. • Upgrade Community Members rights. • Make two tiers: Members and leaders. • Make the tiers: Members and Ministers. • Reword it to a commitment toward this lifestyle. • Make all membership local and non-transferable. • Move one/more rules to non-binding “Special Directions” • Rather than commitments from members make them commitment to members. • Do a “zero-based rewrite” of the whole section. ..... Keith Drury

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