Alternatives
Even though membership is important for many reasons, some congregations have found membership a burdensome model. Full Thoughts on Membership
Congregations have begun experimenting with new models of membership. Congregations are obviously not allowed to change the required provisions, but there are certain ways these provisions can be expanded or worked around.
Warning: The examples here may open the congregation up to problems. Congregations should only adjust their membership model with care and legal guidance.
Some congregations have been allowed to add a new category of membership, such as the following:
Some congregations have sought to create a discipleship model instead of a membership model. Solutions could be as simple as redefining the term "member" (members are also known as disciples) or building a whole new framework.
The following example continues to support membership as the primary model, but allows the unbaptized a role within the congregation. Such a model could be expanded in other parts of the constitution, for example allowing a couple disciples to serve advisory roles on the Congregation Council.