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How to Constitute a Church Today
Prayer: That God will lead us to establish our families and
raise our children under the influence of a spiritual church.
CONSTITUTION OF CHURCHES
When the interests of Christ's kingdom require the formation of a new
church the customary mode of procedure is about this: Brethren and sisters
obtain letters of dismission from the church or churches to which they
belong, for the purpose of entering into the new organization. It is well
for this purpose to be stated in the letters. When they meet together at
the appointed time, a Moderator and Clerk pro tem are appointed. The
meeting is opened with devotional exercises.
Sometimes a sermon is preached, especially when it is not intended to have
recognition services at some future day. Reading the Scriptures and prayer
should be considered indispensable. This being done, the letters of
dismission are read, and the parties concerned resolve by solemn vote to
consider themselves an independent church. What is called a church
covenant is adopted, as also Articles of Faith.
These Articles of Faith
are not intended as, in any sense, a substitute for the Word of God; but
only as an expression of the views of the constituent members as to the
prominent teachings of the Scriptures. It is very important to the peace,
efficiency, and usefulness of a church that there be among its members
substantial harmony of sentiment as to what the Bible teaches. Differences
of opinion on little matters, so regarded, have sometimes illustrated the
truth of the inspired exclamation, "Behold, how great a matter a little
fire kindleth!” (Jas. 3:5)
It would have saved
hundreds of churches a great deal of trouble, if they had remembered, at
the right time, that neither two nor any other number, can walk together,
except they be agreed (Amos 3:3). Ordinarily, a church at the time of its
constitution, selects a name by which it is to be designated, and appoints
its officers. This, however, is not indispensable. It is sometimes best,
for prudential reasons, to defer the election of officers.
RECOGNITION OF CHURCHES
The same importance is not to be attached to the recognition as to the
constitution of a church. It is not necessary to the validity of church
organization. Still, the advantages resulting from a suitable recognition
should not be lightly esteemed. It adds much to the influence of a new
church to be cordially endorsed and welcomed into the sisterhood of
churches. This is usually done by a council of recognition, composed of
ministers and others from churches in the vicinity. Sometimes councils
examine very closely the facts connected with the formation of new
churches, Articles of Faith, etc.; but generally are so well satisfied as
to make no special investigation. Recognition services usually embrace
Reading the Scriptures, Prayer, and Sermon, giving the Hand of Fellowship,
and a Charge to the Church.
Discussion by Leader:
1. Can a community be a good community in which to rear our children that
does not have a sound Baptist church?
2. Can financial success ever compensate for lack of a spiritual Baptist
church?
3. What things should be taken into consideration before we move from one
community to another? What should be our first consideration?
Parts for Assignment:
1. What is the customary method of establishing a new church?
2. The selection of proper articles of faith.
3. Danger of not being in agreement at the time of organization.
4. Recognition of church by other New Testament churches.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why should we be interested in how to establish new churches?
2. What should be taken into consideration before a new church is
organized?
3. How many members does it take to start a new church?
4. Who can start a new church?
5. How can a new church be started on a mission field?
6. What do we mean by an "arm of the church?
7. Does a church have to have official recognition of other churches to be
a New Testament church? If not, why not?
Midi Playing is; Bringing in the Sheaves
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