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Featured At what age should a church member be allowed to vote?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Salty, Aug 11, 2018.

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  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    When should a church member be allowed to vote?
     
  2. terrpn

    terrpn Active Member

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    If you already belong to a church it should be stated in the constitution by laws


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  3. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    That was not part of the question

    WHAT DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD BE !!!!
     
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  4. canadyjd

    canadyjd Well-Known Member

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  5. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    Whenever they join. Old enough to join, old enough to vote.
     
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  6. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    even at age 5?
    Can a child really know what the best for the church is?

    Does he review the $200,000 budget?

    If there needs to be an addition to the Doctrine statement - does he understand why the church is voting that only church members may used the church building for a wedding?

    When voting for deacons - does he understand - the requirements as set forth in Timothy and Titus

    Ect...
     
    #6 Salty, Aug 12, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2018
  7. Baptist4life

    Baptist4life Well-Known Member
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    18....just like our government.
     
  8. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    That's what parents are for.
     
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  9. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    But this isn't the government... This is church... I agree with Reynolds... Is a young one less of a saint?... If you won't let them vote then why let them join?... If they are young enough to be baptized then they are young enough to vote... But I do think they are to young to be a deacon, beside being a deacon comes with experience... Brother Glen:)
     
  10. terrpn

    terrpn Active Member

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    No scripture support, but since everyone is chiming in with an opinion mine is 21 years of age.

    I know too many 18 year olds that are no way close to being an adult, cannot discern for the life of them- are still maturing and are still a little light on common sense.

    Big difference between 18 and 21.
     
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  11. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    Well that being the case, then lets not baptize anyone until the age of 21?... A church no matter what the age should consider any member, a voting one... Common sense?... I've observed those in over my 50 years in the church that had a lack of it... I've heard brethren bicker and fight over what color to paint the inside of the church, or what color the new carpet should be?... It went to a vote... Btw the sisters won!... Brother Glen:)
     
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  12. terrpn

    terrpn Active Member

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    I can’t argue your point brother, however kids make decision based on emotion.....and I do not want a bunch of 12 yrs old, etc. making spiritual decisions when they are still popping zits.

    That being said your point is well taken.

    Just a preachers 2 cents


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  13. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    They may just vote for a brand new gym and related equipment!
     
  14. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    I know what you are saying preacher but isn't it the job of the preacher and those others in the church to counsel the young ones on the decisions coming up in the church?... If they don't have family that attend and can instruct also from a biblical point of view, isn't that the job of the church?... I know a vote, but Reynolds told us one that came out of the blue, just isn't a cold vote, that no one has talked about... Before it reaches the light of day, it is usually mentioned and talked about among the church before it comes to vote?... In my church it did and we knew all about it before it came to a vote... Another point I will make is this you can slight a young one and say you don't have a vote in the church but I say counsel them and count their vote as you value, the longest member that has been in the church... If you don't when they get older they may say, why should I stay in this church, they wouldn't even let me vote when other members voted... I will join a church that values me as one!... I brought this question up to my wife at the breakfast... She said is a few votes by the young ones really going to matter?... The church has its mind basically made up anyway before the vote. They have a good idea where the vote is going... Now I'm not a preacher, never been one but I speak as one who been in the trenches... This is my counsel... Brother Glen:)
     
    #14 tyndale1946, Aug 12, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2018
  15. terrpn

    terrpn Active Member

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    Well taken!


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  16. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    I'll chime in with an opinion.

    The Scriptures teach that the women are to be silent in the church. When it comes to the matter of business, there are two groups in charge. The deacons, the elders, and each group are chosen by the church body as a whole.

    Once chosen, there is little that needs the body's approval other than some big toe being realigned when they get out of shape.

    Voting therefore needs to be done by the family block. That is, the family group together as a unit and make a decision and a single vote is cast by the head of the family.

    The widows and orphans are under the deacons and elder care, and they are to speak through them, not to the body.

    The young men of age who are members but not under the authority of a family should have already been assigned to a family for watch care and speak through that family, too.

    The church is not a democracy, never was. It is a theocracy in which God through Christ is the head. Even the elders/pastors and deacons are not the rulers but are given watch care responsibilities over the church membership and physical needs.

    Therefore, there is no magic age in which a member may vote.

    Again, this is all my own opinion, and although some thinking follows certain principles of Scripture thought, it is rare that such is actually practiced in churches that I have come into contact.
     
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  17. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    So, they like many voters in our governmental elections vote themselves largesse.
     
  18. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    The 50 year olds at my church make decision based on emotion.
     
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  19. terrpn

    terrpn Active Member

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    LOL.......I feel your pain.

    It’s a tough call......that being said I can see everyones point.

    As far as the OP my vote is for the Lord to come get us out of this mess.

    Of course I’ll get berated for saying that as many here do not believe in the rapture of the bride and so on.

    Good thread though and a lot of good points brought out as we do not want to deny anyone in the body of Christ anything, but man dealing with old flesh is tough!

    When one hurts we all hurt


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  20. Jordan Kurecki

    Jordan Kurecki Well-Known Member
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    Here’s a question to stir the pot. Where in the Bible do we find church members voting?
     
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