Why?

I received an email yesterday concerning our StoneBridge 101 class. The question: Why does your church require a membership class when the Bible doesn't teach that you have to go through a class or seminar to be accepted? This is a good question.

I answered the question with several paragraphs, but to sum it up (in this entry without all of the verbiage) I would say, "It's good stewardship to have a Membership Class."

The Bible tells us to "make disciples" of all the nations. One of the ways we disciple people that come through our doors is through our Membership Class. We share with prospective members our beliefs, values, mission and vision. Does this mean that they have to agree on everything we believe, value, do, and see? Not necessarily, but if they are to become leaders in our church they must embrace them.

Why is this so important to us? Because, there are other churches in this town where "steeple people" can attend. We are not here to reach the churched population(even though I am thankful for those who come on board and embrace our beliefs, values, mission and vision). We are here to reach the people that have no meaningful church relationship. For the most part, again, I emphasize, for the most part, these are the people who are ready to do whatever you ask them to do.

So, what am I saying? Churched people are great for their stability, their faithfulness, their wisdom in the Word, and their willingness to come on board financially.

As one church planter said, "God will bring you scaffolding to build the foundation, but when the building (the people) begin to increase, the scaffolding will usually come down because they feel their work is finished."

Looking back on the past three years of church planting, God has brought us scaffolding to build the foundation, as a matter of fact, we still have scaffolding. I am thankful for every person God sends our way. Each person who attends Stonebridge, especially those who have felt called to our church is important. We thank God for our people. They are among the best!