Justification of rigorous membership requirements

Requirements (initially performed in the order listed and repeated appropriately)

1. School of Christian Living

   1. Required Courses: Old Testament, New Testament, Ethics, Stewardship, Christian Growth

   2. Elective Courses: Prayer, Conducting Retreats, Creative Expression

   3. Format of classes/meeting

2. Paper submitted to Council

   1. A statement telling what Christ means to the applicant

   2. A statement on his present spiritual discipline

   3. A statement on those areas of his life which are in need of Christian growth

   4. A statement on the specific task he is currently performing for the Church

3. Sponsorship – relationship building and study for at least 6 weeks including

   1. Weekly meetings with sponsor, meetings follow study syllabus

   2. Topics include church constitution, disciplines, importance of worship, proportionate giving, decentralization of leadership

   3. Required reading – Dietrich Bonhoffer's Life Together, and one book on the ecumenical movement

   4. Relationship between local church and the local, national and world council of churches

4. Formal reception

5. Pledge

6. Disciplines
   We covenant with Christ and one another to:
   Meet God daily in a set time of prayer,
   Let God confront us daily through the Scriptures,
   Grow in love for the brotherhood and all people,
   Worship weekly – normally with our church,
   Be a vital contributing member of one of the groups,
   Give proportionately, beginning at the tithe of our incomes,
   Confess and ask the help of our fellowship should w fail in these expressions of devotion.

7. Yearly affirmation of membership and renewal of committment