This church Im going to now wants me to join & then go to an 11 Week Orientation Class......but why not do that prior to joining so youd know more about the church, in-order to insure your a fit & you understand the church properly.....going there after commitment has been made seems strange to me?
11 week orientation
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Earth Wind and Fire, Oct 6, 2013.
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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That does seem strange! Our church has the classes beforehand so that we can get to know you and you can get to know us. 11 weeks seems like a long time as well!!
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41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
They added 3000 that day. Verses 42 and after go on to say they learned and were taught after joining.
I would not walk away from that church, I would run.
Denominations like Catholic, some Presbyterian, and others have indoctrination, communicants class, memorizing bylaws and covenants and the like. Anyone who is considering joining a local church should already have fully investigated it. I do not mean just doctrine, but the personality of the church, its cliques, power structures, etc.
It seems to me local churches requiring this before joining are not acting as New Testament churches. -
For eleven weeks I would hope they award you college credits. Our church has a 3 hour seminar in one afternoon and then you decide at that point if you want to commit. If you do your commitment is good for one year. Everyone renews commitments each year in January. That way we aren't carrying 1200 members with an average attendance each week of 400.
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I went thur a 13 week class - and I'm glad I did!
People need to understand the commitment they are making. -
Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
or are they assuming that we are all non saved individuals. In that case, without the indwelling of the HS....they could have a 12 year orientation & it would be time wasted. -
Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Perhaps the point is that the class is for new members, not potential members. We have a new members class. Before an individual joins the elders meet with the person(s) to make sure they understand what we are about. If they are in substantial agreement, and there is no biblical reason why they cannot join, then we are happy to welcome them into our family. After they join we have a periodic new members class that goes further into beliefs and practice. We view it as form of discipleship.
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Here is the link. The last page shows that the objective of my thread was in fact accomplished, and especially the last reply.
As far as how long the classes take, I have no problem with it because you're going to be in church anyhow, so I would go and try to gain a better understanding of theology. I don't know about the having to join first part though. And who knows, perhaps you'll gain an hearing there.
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