View source for Vote on new member

Polity is how an organization, such as a [[church]], functions—

the policies that guide matters such as governance, decision making, structure and leadership. 

Baptists differ from most denominations.

Baptist congregations vote on a person’s request for membership.



No person or group outside of a Baptist congregation 

has any authority over the [[Church]] in regard to beliefs and religious practices. 

Each member within the [[church]] fellowship 

has an equal voice in the governance of the church.


Baptist church governance often is termed “democratic.”  

In a democracy, all of the people have equal voices in decision making. 

No individual or group of persons is in control. 


Each member of the [[church]] has the right to vote on matters at church business meetings.



When the [[Church]] is voting on membership, 

they are not voting on whether a person is saved,

but merely voting on whether to allow the person in question to become a voting member of the [[Church]].

Some take offense at requiring a motion 

to accept a person on his profession of faith

and after baptism full fellowship in the [[Church]]

This is not a requirement

as it could be "without objection"

but it still requires the consent of the [[Church]]

This is a modern trend (non denominational)

to remove objections from the Pentacostals.


A person can be accepted on the promise of a letter

(modern churches are getting away from granting letters)

or by statement that he has been baptized by a like faith [[Church]]

or he can be accepted for investigation.


The pastor does not have the authority

to either accept or reject a request.


[[--]]