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

A person can be accepted on the promise of a letter

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.

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