I'm Southern Baptist, and I'll admit...I've been jaded.
I have been in a church where the Pastor and Secretary, both married to highly active members of the church, were caught cheating on their spouses. IN THE CHURCH. The music minister and youth minister, same way, at the same time. HUGE scandal in the church. Although not nearly as big of a scandal as the youth minister who was inappropriately touching underage girls.
The way I see it, if these "people" were voted to lead the church, how can we be so naive as to push someone who is dedicated to another person and to the Almighty away? How can we expect our members to be "perfect" when our own leaders cannot keep their hands to themselves and follow the commandments as well?
I simply do not see how it is right to stop the people who are living together, be it for monetary sustenance, moral support or familiarity should be turned away from joining and those who have stolen, lied, or have placed another god before Him (smoking, money, etc.) are allowed to be members within the church.
It leaves me scratching my head and makes me feel more resentful of joining any other church. How would I feel if I were to attempt to join a church around here, only to be told that I haven't lived the life that I am supposed to lead and am not "good enough" to join as part of the bride of Jesus.
On another note, membership does have it's rewards. You are able to vote on items pertaining directly to the hiring, firing, spending, budget, guidance, etc. Some churches, albeit larger ones, must have you as a member before you can participate in church functions such as picnics, church camps or gym rights.
I have been in a church where the Pastor and Secretary, both married to highly active members of the church, were caught cheating on their spouses. IN THE CHURCH. The music minister and youth minister, same way, at the same time. HUGE scandal in the church. Although not nearly as big of a scandal as the youth minister who was inappropriately touching underage girls.
The way I see it, if these "people" were voted to lead the church, how can we be so naive as to push someone who is dedicated to another person and to the Almighty away? How can we expect our members to be "perfect" when our own leaders cannot keep their hands to themselves and follow the commandments as well?
I simply do not see how it is right to stop the people who are living together, be it for monetary sustenance, moral support or familiarity should be turned away from joining and those who have stolen, lied, or have placed another god before Him (smoking, money, etc.) are allowed to be members within the church.
It leaves me scratching my head and makes me feel more resentful of joining any other church. How would I feel if I were to attempt to join a church around here, only to be told that I haven't lived the life that I am supposed to lead and am not "good enough" to join as part of the bride of Jesus.
On another note, membership does have it's rewards. You are able to vote on items pertaining directly to the hiring, firing, spending, budget, guidance, etc. Some churches, albeit larger ones, must have you as a member before you can participate in church functions such as picnics, church camps or gym rights.
