"We, the members of the THE SOVEREIGN GRACE BIBLE CHURCH OF CEBU, INC., a non-profit organization, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves."

CONTENTS:  1  Institution  2  Membership  3  Leadership  4  Commission  5  Order  6  Congregational Meetings  7  Affiliation

SECTION 4.    PROCEDURE FOR THE RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

       Paragraph A.  General Statement.

       The scriptural pattern fro the reception of new members into the church includes not only careful scrutiny, consisting of pastoral examination and investigation, but also congregational suffrage, consisting of their advice and consent. The requirement of pastoral scrutiny is rooted in the general scriptural teachings respecting oversight ( Heb. 13:17); and discernment (Acts 9:27); and in the apostolic pattern of making disciples (Acts 2:41;10:47,48). The requirement of congregational advice and consent is rooted and grounded in the general scriptural teachings respecting proving (Acts 9:26; 1Tim. 3:10) and congregational unity (Acts 9:26), the apostolic pattern of congregational suffrage (Acts 6:3,5), and by implication from the biblical procedure for excommunication (Mt. 18:15f). Our polity of pastoral scrutiny is defined in Paragraph B and C. And our polity of congregational suffrage is defined in Paragraph D and E.

       Paragraph B.  Pastoral Examination.

       A person who desires to become a member of the church shall apply to the elders and request to be interviewed by them. During the interview the elders will seek to determine whether that person has a credible profession of faith in Christ, has been scripturally baptized, is in substantial agreement with the Confession and Constitution of the church, is capable of assuming the responsibilities and liabilities of church membership, intends to give wholehearted support to its ministry, and is willing to submit to its government and discipline (Acts 9:26,27; 10:47-48 with 11:2-18; 11:23).

       Paragraph C.  Pastoral Investigation.

       If the applicant is or has been a member of another church, special effort will be made to determine the person’s standing in that church and his reasons for leaving (Acts 15:1,2 with 24,25). If a former church raises an objection which the elders consider valid (3Jn. 8-10 g.p.), the applicant may be denied membership at the discretion of the elders.

       Paragraph D.  Congregational Advice.

       If the elders are satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements for membership, they shall announce the same to the congregation at a stated meeting of the church. At the discretion of the elders, the person may be requested at this time to give his testimony to the church either orally or in writing. A period of a least three Lord’s days shall be allowed for objections or questions to be raised privately with the elders by any member concerning the applicant’s manner of life or doctrine. The members should consider it their solemn personal duty to voice out any objections to the elders since the purity of the church is at stake. If no objection is raised, the person will be publicly received into the membership at the stated meeting of the church, usually the next Lord’s Supper following the three- week period. The elders shall postpone the reception of a person into membership until all objections are investigated and resolved to their satisfaction (Acts 9:26-29).

       Paragraph E.  Congregational Consent.

       In the stated meeting of the church at which a person is to be received into membership, each prospective member shall be asked verbally to affirm his commitment to Christ and to the Confession and Constitution of this church (1Tim. 6:12 g.p.), and the members of the congregation shall be asked to express their consent to the reception (Acts 9:26-28; Rom. 15:7). No person shall be received into the regular membership without making this public affirmation or without receiving this expressed congregational consent.

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