|
ADULT MEMBERSHIP RITUAL
A/353.1. (Ritual other than questions and answers is optional.)
[Those who are to be received into membership shall be called
forward by name, and the pastor, addressing the people, shall say:]
Into this holy fellowship the persons before you, who have received
the sacrament of baptism, who have learned the nature of these privileges
and duties, who have been instructed in the teachings and mission
of the Free Methodist Church, and who have been approved by the
local board of administration, come to be welcomed into membership.
We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their
faith and purpose, that you may know that they are ready to be admitted
into this church.
(Then, addressing those seeking admission, the pastor shall say:)
Beloved in the Lord, you have come to be received into membership
in the Free Methodist Church. We rejoice that you have decided to
undertake the privileges and duties of membership in this church.
Before you are admitted, you shall here publicly renew your vows,
confess your faith, and declare your purpose, by answering the following
questions:
- 1. Do you have the assurance of the Holy Spirit that your sins
are forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ?
- 2. Are you experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit with
His cleansing of heart and empowering for service, or if not,
will you seek His fullness in your life?
- 3. Do you intend to serve God by the full use of the abilities
He has given you?
- 4. Do you believe the Holy Scriptures to be the revealed will
of God containing all things necessary to salvation through faith
in Jesus Christ?
- 5. Do you accept the Articles of Religion, the Covenant, the
goals for Christian conduct, and the government of the Free Methodist
Church; and will you endeavor to live in harmony with them?
- 6. As a committed follower of Christ in fellowship with His
church, will you cultivate spiritual disciplines in order to grow
into the likeness of Christ?
- 7. Will you practice the principles of Christian stewardship,
giving freely of your time, talents, and possessions to Christ
and His church?
(Here the pastor shall introduce each candidate by name to
the congregation, and shall continue as follows:)
You, my fellow-members of this congregation, have heard the
vows of these who have completed the requirements for membership
in the Free Methodist Church. Let us now welcome them into our fellowship.
(The method of welcoming shall be left to the discretion of the
pastor.)
(Here the pastor may offer an extemporaneous prayer.)
This is optional:
(Then those to be received into membership shall kneel, and
the pastor laying hands upon each of them in turn, shall say:)
__________, I receive you into the fellowship of the Free Methodist
Church. May the Lord confirm you in the faith and fellowship of
the true disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Those being received shall rise, and the pastor addressing
the candidates shall say:)
We rejoice to recognize you as members of the Free Methodist
Church and bid you welcome to all its privileges; and in token of
our love we give you the right hand of fellowship and pray that
you may be numbered with His people here and with His saints in
glory everlasting. May the church be a blessing to you, and may
you be a blessing to the church.
(Then shall the pastor say to the congregation:)
Friends in Christ, I commend to your love and care these persons
whom we this day recognize as members of our church. Do all in your
power to strengthen their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect
them in love.
(Back
to the top)
|
|
