503 - Church Membership

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Amended to Paper 503A

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Comments

[Denny Wayman]

I wonder if this is a cross-cultural language issue or something more substantive.

In this paper on providing the alternative of calling our church members “partners” the reason given is that: “WHEREAS, membership can imply passive belonging and little else, partnership includes the idea of active involvement, participation, making an investment and taking responsibility”
This is not true in American Christian culture. “Partners” is a word that is used often by television evangelists who are inviting people to join them and become a “partner” in some ministry by sending in money. There is no expectation that they will become actively involved or personally participate.

A member, on the other hand, carries more a sense of belonging in a participatory way. Being a member of a group, for example, most often means personal participation and acceptance of that groups goals and activities.

If this is simply a translation difference between two English-speaking cultures, then I would hope that we would allow the church in each location to use the words that best communicates the meaning intended by the word chosen.

But if this is an attempt to create levels of “membership” or “partnership” with the local congregation bifurcated into those who are “out”, those who are “in” and those who are “really in.” Then this would be contrary to our practice of making membership in the Free Methodist church synonymous with membership in God’s kingdom.

Denny

[Chadwick Anderson]

Yeah, I would prayerfully support this....I'm a "member" of the American Footbag Association (hacky sack). I'm also a "member" of the local Optimists club. However, my wife is considered my "partner" in life.

I think in describing the association with the local/denominational church body, both words can be extremely beneficial. I think even within one culture, personal experience of a certain word or label can differ completely. As long as becoming a part of the Body of Christ is prioritized, I think we're doing a service to those who may prefer to think of themselves as "partners".

[Sarah Ehlers]

I do not see that the book of disciple forbids the use of words other than member, however, the membership covenant explained in the book of disciple is very clear about what the word "member" means to the Free Methodist Church. I question the need for a resolution. I am considering dedicating the Adult Sunday School class time at our church to reveiwing the membership covenant. I am afraid some of us have forgotten.