Section 61: We are conscientious in caring for the members of Christ's Church:

611. Traditions of men, legal necessities or Godly design?

At this moment in history, the concept of membership in the Church of Jesus Christ has fallen on hard times indeed. Many congregational communions maintain nothing more than a monthly or quarterly mailing list of people who have visited twice or thrice and have yet to move on to another organization. Some older churches have antiquated membership lists where the majority have translated on to glory.

Those examples, of course are the extreme, but at the very least, every congregation should be aware of the corporate laws in their state and make some minimal effort to avoid legal complications, if and when troubles raise up a division within the fellowship.

We do know from the New Covenant records that families were baptized into fellowship and that loving care and concern were lavished on those who broke bread together. There is a strong tradition that the Apostle John at the advance age of ninety-something rode three days by horse to track down a run away member of the Christian community. We also know that the Old Covenant Church kept genealogy records in the Temple until the time of Herod.

Christ Covenant Reformed (PCA) does indeed maintain a quarterly handout with Members & Friends listed with contact information. Those designated as members have either been received from another Reformed congregation by letter of transfer or completed the membership class and passed an examination on Christian experience and basic knowledge by members of the Session. Generally, the examination is done by different elders than those who provided instruction. Only those who are members in good standing are eligible to vote in corporate & ecclesiastical business.

612. The Profession of Faith:

Given the extensive instruction in previous pages, it may be surprising to note the minimal content of the questions required by of constitutional standards. Within the PCA at least, members are not required to affirm agreement with the Westminster Standards. However, this requirement is made of elected male officers of the church.

The emphasis of the session examination and the questions presented are to verify (within the limits of human endeavor) the state of grace in which the believer understands themselves to be. As much as we love the Law of God and the Westminster Standards, the State of Grace is the only important issue for salvation! And to that end we seek affirmation of the following questions before confirming membership in Christ Covenant Reformed (PCA).

 613. The Constitutional Questions which we are required to ask:

1. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?

We understand that a Saint is a sinner who well understands their need for God's grace, mercy and forgiveness. Heaven help the poor miscreant who believes in salvation by works righteousness!

2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?

Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone through Grace alone.

3. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?

We understand that petty "violations" of behavior commonly expected by too many communions are just that - legalities for which the Pharisees and Sadducees were infamous. The essential ten commandments and the basic consensus of the New Covenant records for godly behavior are the basic guideline for discipline and expected fruits of the Spirit.

4. Do you promise to support the church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

We well understand the individuality of people and encourage those who have the biblical gifts to exercise them as time, conscience and health allow. We also know that some, by age or other reason are limited in what the Spirit will allow them to be and to do.

5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the church, and promise to study its purity and peace?

We expect members to refrain from criticizing the doctrines of Grace which we have clearly explained as essential to our understanding of being a Church that worships the Triune God of heaven and earth. We do encourage growth in the things of the Spirit so that the theological dynamic of the congregation is enhanced enough to recognize heresy and error should those ever raise their head in our midst.

614. Please Note!

Not all of the denominations which affirm the Reformed distinctives are in agreement on the procedures and requirements described here. Return to:
The Administration of Christ's Churches