RECEPTION OF MEMBERS. FORM FOR Receiving Persons into the Church as Probationers. ¶ Those who are to be received into the Church as Probationers shall be called forward by name, and the Minister, addressing the Congregation, shall say: DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN, that none may be admitted hastily into the Church, we receive all persons seeking fellowship with us on profession of faith into a preparatory membership on trial; in which proof may be made, both to themselves and to the Church, of the sincerity and depth of their convictions and of the strength of their purpose to lead a new life. The persons here present desire to be so admitted. You will hear their answers to the questions put to them, and if you make no objection they will be received. It is needful, however, that you be reminded of your responsibility, as having previously entered this holy fellowship, and as now representing the Church into which they seek admission. Remembering their inexperience, and how much they must learn in order to become good soldiers of Jesus Christ, see to it that they find in you holy examples of life, and loving help in the true serving of their Lord and ours. I beseech you so to order your own lives that these new disciples may take no detriment from you, but that it may ever be cause for thanksgiving to God that they were led into this fellowship. ¶ Then addressing the Persons seeking Admission on Probation, the Minister shall say: DEARLY BELOVED, you have, by the grace of God, made Your your I decision to follow Christ and to serve him. confidence in so doing is not to be based on any notion of fitness or worthiness in yourselves, but solely on the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, and on his death and intercession for us. That the Church may know your purpose, you will answer the questions I am now to ask you. Have you an earnest desire to be saved from your sins? Will you guard yourselves against all things contrary to the teaching of God's word, and endeavor to lead a holy life, following the commandments of God? Ans. I will endeavor so to do. Are you purposed to give reverent attendance upon the appointed means of grace in the ministry of the word, and in the private and public worship of God? Ans. I am so determined, with the help of God. No objection being offered, the Minister shall then announce that the Candidates are admitted as Probationers and shall assign them to classes. ¶ Then shall the Minister offer extemporary Prayer. THE FORM FOR Receiving Persons into the Church after Probation. On the day appointed, all that are to be received into the Church shall be called forward, and the Minister, addressing the Congregation, shall say: DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN, the Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God, the body of which Christ is the head; and that it is the design of the Gospel to bring together in one all who are in Christ. The fellowship of the Church is the communion that its Members enjoy one with another. The ends of this fellowship are, the maintenance of sound doctrine and of the ordinances of Christian worship, and the exercise of that power of godly admonition and discipline which Christ has committed to his Church for the promotion of holiness. It is the duty of all men to unite in this fellowship; for it is only those that "be planted in the house of the Lord" that "shall flourish in the courts of our God." Its more particular duties are, to promote peace and unity; to bear one another's burdens; to prevent each other's stumbling; to seek the intimacy of friendly society among themselves; to continue steadfast in the faith and worship of the Gospel; and to pray and sympathize with each other. Among its privileges are, peculiar incitements to holiness from the hearing of God's word and sharing in Christ's ordinances; the being placed under the watchful care of Pastors; and the enjoyment of the blessings which are promised only to those who are of the Household of Faith. Into this holy fellowship the persons before you, who have already received the Sacrament of Baptism, and have been under the care of proper leaders for six months on Trial, come seeking admission. We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purposes, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into the Church. ¶ Then, addressing the Applicants for Admission, the Minister shall say: DEARLY BELOVED, you are come hither seeking the great privilege of union with the Church our Saviour has purchased with his own blood. We rejoice in the grace of God vouchsafed unto you in that he has called you to be his followers, and that thus far you have run well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges, and how solemn are the duties, of membership in Christ's Church; and before you are fully admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purpose, by answering the following questions: Do you here, in the presence of God and of this Congregation, renew the solemn promise contained in the Baptismal Covenant, ratifying and confirming the same, and acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully to observe and keep that Covenant? Ans. I do. Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Ans. I trust I have. Do you believe in the Doctrines of the Holy Scriptures as set forth in the Articles of Religion of the Methodist Episcopal Church? Ans. I do. Will you cheerfully be governed by the Rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hold sacred the Ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to promote the welfare of your brethren and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom? Ans. I will. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, according to your ability, to the support of the Gospel and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church? Ans. I will. ¶ Then the Minister, addressing the Church, shall say: BRETHREN, these persons having given satisfactory re sponses to our inquiries, have any of you reason to allege why they should not be received into Full membership in the Church? ¶ No objections being alleged, the Minister shall say to the Candidates: WE welcome you to the communion of the Church of God; and, in testimony of our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby extend to you the right hand of fellowship: and may God grant that you may be a faithful and useful member of the Church militant till you are called to the fellowship of the Church triumphant, which is "without fault before the throne of God." ¶ Then shall the Minister offer extemporary Prayer. |