tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12009297.post8749883430626220572..comments2023-11-02T02:58:53.594-07:00Comments on From the Pew: Re-Thinking Church Membership (Part 26) Christendom And A Dangerous Open-Door Church PolicySteve Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10297044571819912511noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12009297.post-87772986920978314532008-12-14T13:26:00.000-08:002008-12-14T13:26:00.000-08:00Mark, *All* that you see, when you look around, ar...Mark, <BR/><BR/>*All* that you see, when you look around, are "fake Christians"? I suppose that is possible.... but if that is the case, are you a true Christian? How did you come to know what the genuine article is, in order have a vantage point from which to say what is *not* true Christianity? <BR/><BR/>I'm not saying that there *is* no true Christianity (there definitely is), but are you a true Christian, and how did you come to know what one is?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12009297.post-5289391512158919162008-08-14T17:44:00.000-07:002008-08-14T17:44:00.000-07:00You said:>"Many churches today exist in a ...You said:<BR/><BR/>>"Many churches today exist in a <BR/>>society increasingly disinterested <BR/>>in Christianity and increasingly <BR/>>hostile to the gospel of Christ."<BR/><BR/>I don't see any increasing hostility to the gosple of Christ. I see an increasing hostility to so-called Christians who are using the gospel to Judge, condemn and hate other people embracing an institutionalized bigotry against people who don't look like they do or act like they do. I look around and don't see any Christians. All I see are fake Christians trying to get your money or a free ride to heaven.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12009297.post-34234178117914793192008-08-12T08:05:00.000-07:002008-08-12T08:05:00.000-07:00The closed door policy is an interesting concept -...The closed door policy is an interesting concept - that is for sure. In these countries in the West it bucks the trend - which has pro's and cons. <BR/><BR/>Pro's seem to be what you mentioned - people become a more close knit community and the process of discipleship is fostered more effectively. I think the safety helps in some way. <BR/><BR/>The big con is limiting who can enter the kingdom of God - like we have some control over who should and should not enter those doors. I mean, even that parable in Matt 25 seems to be broken in this policy...cause what if someone in dire need comes to your doors and they are closed to them? <BR/><BR/>I am not a fan of this idea for these reasons...the impoverished mainly...they need help - not to be turned away as undesirables. <BR/><BR/>I am not sure I can be convinced of this or membership policies to be honest - they seem limiting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12009297.post-10497534157707896002008-08-12T05:35:00.000-07:002008-08-12T05:35:00.000-07:00Our church sort of accomplishes what you are sugge...Our church sort of accomplishes what you are suggesting with the small group system. Most active church members are also in a "Christ Care" group and are discipled and discipling in this system. The worship service is open to anyone and is a means of attracting new members.<BR/><BR/>Of course, we're not exactly a megachurch, just about 400 households, so it's not too hard for elders and deacons to know their flock. <BR/><BR/>Another alternative might be system of branding or ear tags.Vache Follehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14942494955243643381noreply@blogger.com