The Local Church of Christ Placing Membership or Establishing Fellowship

Establishing “Fellowship” Fellowship means “joint participation or sharing toward a common goal Established by “common salvation” with: Agreement and mutual acceptance This must first be established between parties

Fellowship means “joint participation or sharing toward a common goal

Established by “common salvation” with:

Agreement and mutual acceptance

This must first be established between parties

Establishing “Fellowship” In a Local Church…. Commonality must be established It was right to reject Paul until…. Acts 9:26 His faith was vouched for Credentials or commendations established –v.27f Barnabas commended Paul to the brethren

In a Local Church….

Commonality must be established

It was right to reject Paul until…. Acts 9:26

His faith was vouched for

Credentials or commendations established –v.27f

Barnabas commended Paul to the brethren

Two different situations 1) A situation where we have taught a person, brought them to repentance, confession, and baptism, and he/she is accepted on the basis of observed credentials. All can commend such a person to the local team or church. 2) A "Christian" coming from another congregation

1) A situation where we have taught a person, brought them to repentance, confession, and baptism, and he/she is accepted on the basis of observed credentials.

All can commend such a person to the local team or church.

2) A "Christian" coming from another congregation

2-3 different categories a) Known by reputation by the members ( no need for letters of commendation - (2 Cor.3:1) b) vouched for by a faithful member who knows them (word of mouth recommendation - Acts 9:26-30) c) needing to come with letters of commendation (2 Cor.3:1) Paul said others NEED letters of commendation, Paul himself saw a need to send letters of commendation -Rom.16:1-2).

a) Known by reputation by the members ( no need for letters of commendation - (2 Cor.3:1)

b) vouched for by a faithful member who knows them (word of mouth recommendation - Acts 9:26-30)

c) needing to come with letters of commendation (2 Cor.3:1)

Paul said others NEED letters of commendation,

Paul himself saw a need to send letters of commendation -Rom.16:1-2).

Establishing “Fellowship” Fellowship means “joint participation or sharing toward a common goal Established by “common salvation” with: Agreement and mutual acceptance This must first be established between parties

Fellowship means “joint participation or sharing toward a common goal

Established by “common salvation” with:

Agreement and mutual acceptance

This must first be established between parties

Fellowship Can Be Broken When… A Member Chooses Sin – 1 Cor.5 Refuses to repent Acting contrary to the agreed team rules and team goals Our Common Goal WAS: Spread Gospel, Edify, Help to Heaven, Promote Holiness & Righteousness Now, the member is in need of rebuke If no repentance, withdrawal of fellowship

A Member Chooses Sin – 1 Cor.5

Refuses to repent

Acting contrary to the agreed team rules and team goals

Our Common Goal WAS:

Spread Gospel, Edify, Help to Heaven,

Promote Holiness & Righteousness

Now, the member is in need of rebuke

If no repentance, withdrawal of fellowship

Placing Membership Is making appeal to establish fellowship Three Necessary Things to Establish: Credentials of Commonality Joining the group with common purpose Promoting and helping the common cause Visitors are welcome, but visitors are not yet members Not good to remain just a visitor

Is making appeal to establish fellowship

Three Necessary Things to Establish:

Credentials of Commonality

Joining the group with common purpose

Promoting and helping the common cause

Visitors are welcome, but visitors are not yet members

Not good to remain just a visitor