Do I belong here?
Membership is currently one of the most highly debated issues in the Model Constitution. This is due to a shifting reality in our culture where people are generally not formally joining organizations anymore.
This page will not get into that debate. Offered elsewhere on this site are thoughts on membership and examples of adjusted membership models that are possible within the current framework.
Offered here is a summary of membership as described in the Model Constitution.
| Type of Member | Qualification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baptized | Infant or Youth Baptism | What happens when unconfirmed baptized youth become adults? |
| Confirmed | Confirmation or Adult Baptism | Must be approved by the Congregation Council |
| Voting | Any confirmed member who communes and contributes | This is an automatic category Every confirmed member is potentially a voting member |
| Associate | Member of another congregation | Various circumstances may encourage the use of this category (e.g. extended relocations for work) |
| Seasonal | Mostly for resort communities and other such locations | Must be approved by the Congregation Council Has to be allowed by the Synod Council first Currently only available to members of other ELCA congregations |
Warning: There is also no such thing as an "active member" or an "inactive member". The above categories are the only categories of membership.
Warning: Allowing someone to become a member is no light decision. Currently there is no way to terminate someone's membership if they are active in the congregation unless they request it or it is part of a formal disciplinary action. Once someone becomes a member, it is entirely their decision on whether to remain a member.
Every member, no matter the type, is expected to do certain things and live a certain way, in accordance with *C8.04. This includes:
That's no small list. How often are the members reminded of these items?