Church membership is special. The Bible speaks of the "church which he hath purchased with his own blood." Secondly, the cooperation and fellowship in the churches of the ABA is special as well. We respect the sovereignty of individual churches, yet we should always be mindful as to how our actions as a church affect others who we are in cooperation with as well as individual Christians.
Let's get to the point. "Church A" excludes John Doe, and then John Doe goes down the road and is received by "Church B" on statement. Historically, Baptists would have recognized this as a "slight" and "insult" to "Church A." Why?
Because "Church B" has effectively negated the church discipline of "Church A" by receiving the offending member. Historically, this has also been a major test of fellowship between churches. What would then prevent the offending member to go down the road and blow up another church, steal from someone else, insult and lie about someone else, and each time just say, "Well, I can't get a letter. I'll just join on statement."
From my limited understanding, joining on statement is reserved for special situation such as:
1)church closed the doors (can't get a letter)
2)church lost records (can't get a letter)
3)baptized by a Baptist chaplain in the military or
in prison (can't get a letter)
4)some other reason which I have not thought of :)
(can't get a letter)
*These reasons are different than "owes some people or churches an
apology" (wouldn't be granted a letter until there is at
least an attempt to make things right)
I pastor Ora MBC. If I were excluded for any reason, and another ABA church
received me on statement, (without any investigation) that church just
strategically dismissed the effectiveness and scriptural strength of Ora's discipline. They have also elevated the offender's wishes/rights above that of church authority.
I have used no names in this post and if there are any comments, I'd
appreciate it if no names or actual situations are used. There is no question that affiliating/cooperating churches should respect the discipline of other churches and at least investigate before someone is accepted on statement. The pastor should be the leader and at least question as to why the person wants to join on statement and then investigate accordingly. This process aligns with scripture and with common sense.
I realize that there are likely more important issues to dwell on, such as the salvation of souls and encouraging our fellow brothers and sisters in the faith.
If anyone disagrees with the above statements, fine. But save your time and mine
by trying to convince me otherwise. Our Baptist forefathers believed this way concerning "joining on statement," and I agree with them.
