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Membership in the Reformed Episcopal Church The Reformed Episcopal Church believes church membership carries both great privileges and great responsibilities. Requirements for Membership Any adult who trusts in the finished work of Christ for salvation, professes repentance towards God, has been baptized, is willing to submit to the government and discipline of this church, is in basic agreement with the purpose and doctrine of this church, and intends to give wholehearted support to its ministry is eligible for membership. Reception of New Members A) Anyone who desires to become a member of a parish must present himself to the Rector (pastor). The Rector will plan an interview with the applicant concerning his eligibility for membership. B) If the applicant meets the requirements for membership, he is received into membership by the Rector. C) If the prospective member is or has been a member of another Church, special effort will be made to solicit a transfer of membership from the former parish. If that cannot be obtained, upon satisfactory evidence of good standing in membership in the former parish, the applicant may be received according to Title IV, Canon 7, Section 1(b) of the Canons of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Conduct Expected of Members Since the Church of Jesus Christ is made up of those who are forgiven, have God's law written on their minds and hearts, and who worship in truth (Heb. 8:8-13), we expect our members to evidence their spiritual union with Christ by obedience to the Holy Scriptures. A) INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Individual Communion with God Each member is expected to walk personally with the Lord, making regular use of all the private means of grace available to him, including: regular private prayer (Matt. 6:6); regular reading and meditation on the Bible (Psalm 1:2); continual maintenance of a good conscience (Acts 24:16); periodic and wholesome self-examination prayerfully conducted by the standard of Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24); and worship (Isa. 58:13-14). 2) Christian Obedience and Liberty Each member of the church is called to live in loyal obedience to all the precepts established in the Bible (Rom 8:3-4). If God has not condemned or forbidden a practice, a Christian is at liberty to participate in it. The exercise of Christian liberty must be governed by the fear of God and the desire to glorify Him in all things (1 Peter 1:17; 1 Cor. 10:31). Also, he must show loving regard for the consciences of weaker Christians (1 Cor. 8:9; Rom. 1:1-3), a compassion for the lost (1 Cor 9:10-22) and a zealous regard for the health of their souls (Rom. 12:1-2; 13:14; 1 Peter 2:16). 3) Personal Witness It is the duty of Christians to labor for the extension of the kingdom of God. Therefore, members of this church are to recognize and seize opportunities to bear witness to the gospel by their lives and words (Matt. 28:19-20). B) FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES The Reformed Episcopal Church is committed to the growth and development of strong families under the guidance of faithful pastors. In the area of child-rearing, husbands and wives must "nurture their children in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). This is accomplished by setting a godly example before them, by instructing them in the Scriptures, by praying with and for them, and by disciplining them with wisdom, firmness and compassion. (Prov. 13:24; 22:15; 29:15; Heb. 12:7). C) CHURCH RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Regular Attendance All members are expected to attend Sunday worship service unless providentially hindered. They are strongly encouraged to be involved in other regular church functions (such as Sunday school classes, Bible studies, fellowship times, and ministry opportunities) in an effort to grow in grace, and build up the body of Christ (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:24-25). 2) Service Every member of this church has been placed here by God, not only to receive ministry, but also to render service to the Church. Therefore, it is important for every member, with the help and guidance of the church, to discover his spiritual gifts and diligently to search for opportunities to serve (Eph. 4:12; Rom. 12:4-8). 3) Promotion of Edification and Peace Inasmuch as the Church is represented in Scripture as a body having many members, with Christ as its Head, each of its members has a particular function, and yet having a concern for the health and protection of the whole (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:4, 11-16), this church expects that each of its members will strive for the health and peace of the entire body. Members are therefore encouraged actively to cultivate acquaintance with one another so that they may be better able to pray for one another; love, comfort, and encourage one another; bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances they may have against one another; and help one another as necessity may require. 4) Systematic and Proportionate Financial Support It is clearly taught in Holy Scripture that all Christians have the duty to financially support the work of the Lord by systematic and proportionate giving, made through their parish (Mal. 3:8-10; 2 Cor. 8:9). The tithe (ten percent of one's income) is an expression of worship, and the biblical norm for basic giving. To this is added the gifts and offerings according to one's ability and willingness (2 Cor. 8:1-5; Ex. 36:2-7). 5) Support of and Submission to Leadership All who come into the membership of this church are expected to support and submit to the authority of the Pastors of the church. Supporting the leadership involves showing them respect (1 Thes. 5:12-13); praying for them and their ministerial labors (Eph. 6:18-20); and not entertaining accusations against them without proper witness (1 Tim. 5:19). Submission to the Bishop and his Presbyters involves heeding their teaching of and counsel from the Scriptures as those appointed to watch over the souls of Christ's flock (Acts 20:28; Col. 1:28; 1 Tim. 3:5; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4). D) TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP 1) By Physical Death When a member dies, he is removed from the membership roll by notation. 2) By Transfer A letter of dismissal, called a Letter Dismissory, is granted by the Rector or Vicar to any member transferring to another Christian church. No letter will be granted to any member under discipline. A Letter Dismissory may also be refused if, in the judgment of the Rector, with the counsel of the Bishop, the church does not possess the marks of biblical Christianity. Again, their is no erasure in the parish roll, but a notation of transfer. 3) By Excommunication Anyone teaching or holding to a heretical doctrine, who blatantly or persistently conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with his Christian profession, or who, after formal warning, persists in disturbing the unity or peace of the church, may be excommunicated (1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Thes. 3:6; Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13). Excommunication is a last resort, to be used only after all other means of reclaiming the offended party have been exhausted. Once someone is excommunicated, he is to be avoided by all other members (Article 33). All church discipline must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Reformed Episcopal Church, Title V, Canons I-VI (1 Cor. 6:1-5). These guidelines were composed for the purpose of peace and order in the church, as well as for clarity and understanding among the people of God as they live together in the Church. |
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