church membership

[stillstanding]

I have always had an uneasy feeling when I attend a church building and they require people to attend a series of membership courses before you can be a "member".

can someone please explain this to me? because I AM a member of THE church. WE are members as Christians. I don't need a man to tell me to become a member of his building where some members of Jesus' church meet that I have to take a class (which some even charge people for the cost of the 'learning materials' ) to learn what? the man's doctrine?

honestly, insight is appreciated.

thank yall!

much love!

[dema]

Most churches do that. The class is a history of the denomination and a survey of what you can do to become involved. For my church, they went through the history since Martin Luther and how this denomination fits into others and what books summarize the beliefs of the denomination. They talk about their ministries in the community. Then they discuss Sunday school classes. Finally there is a tour. The tour includes what the church building is used for - example there is a pre-school and the church hosts meals for the local shelter and then there is a Christmas ministry for the poor. And the tour also includes a history of the church building. It is a historic building and the sanctuary is lovely and has a history.

So many people have trouble getting involved in a church community. It is a body and you want to function as part of the body. Items covered might be how you sign up for volunteering in nursery or as a teacher and the fact that they require an application because their insurance requires it and not because they are a bunch of stick in the muds. It also gives them a chance to ask a little about your family and suggest things which might interest you. And perhaps answer questions about what your children might expect to encounter if they attend a youth group.

It is loving and friendly and is meant to help you to be comfortable.

Hugs.

[stillstanding]

thank you, dema

I just could not imagine why I would need 6 -1.5 hour sessions before I could know enough to join. still seems excessive, but makes more sense now

[dema]

That does seem like a lot. But they may be planning on stuffing you with cookies and conversation. Seriously, they may have a lot of different people that they will bring in for different sessions. A church sorority rush! or something. I dunno. I've been to them three times. At least. And there was a lot of just getting to know you stuff. And the different churches do have interpretation things. Apostles creed, Nicene Creed, do you say trespasses in the Lord's prayer? Or debts? Did Jesus descend into hell in the creed? Anyway.... it isn't a bad thing. No tests! No rulers to crack your knuckles! And no coal in your Christmas stocking either.

Hugs.

[stillstanding]

...

thanks again dema!

not skeert of mobster looking ushers now!