p. 740 | Transfer of Membership by John Francis Olmsted

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 31, 1913

Transfer of Membership

By John Francis Olmsted

SINCE our people move frequently from place to place, it often happens that an individual finds himself attending church in one locality and holding his membership in another, sometimes, hundreds of miles away. While it is true that an Adventist in good and regular standing can worship and affiliate with Christians anywhere, yet is it not preferable for one to have his membership in the church where he worships?

As a denomination we believe in system and order. We are striving to advance harmoniously on right principles and build up the interests of the church. Its cohorts are battling against the forces of evil, and God's people have the assurance that soon the dawn of eternal day will bring heavenly joy and peace; but in the meantime we must press together, giving our best efforts to advance the work of reconciliation. There is a tendency, however, for an individual who leaves his home church and mingles with the membership of another to divide his means and interest. But it is always preferable to pay tithe and offerings to the church treasurer where the individual holds his membership, and write a letter to the church clerk every quarter. If this is not done, the church sooner or later loses trace of the non-resident member, and consequently knows nothing of his standing. He may, after a number of years, request that his membership be transferred to another church; but since his home church has heard nothing from him, how can it say that he is in good and regular standing when the proposition is based on a hypothesis?

To avoid such uncertainty the proper course would be for the one who expects to locate elsewhere, to have his membership transferred as soon as consistent after he changes churches. Make the request to the church clerk, who will arrange for the transfer. The individual will feel more at home in the new church after the transfer has been made; and looking at the situation from every viewpoint, the plan certainly commends itself to all.

Persons who travel from State to State in periodical or other work should carry a card or letter of introduction from the publishing house or home church; this will protect our churches from a mixed multitude that always follow in the wake of every good work, and it will also give the worker better standing. Our people are sometimes imposed upon by Adventists, so called, who work independently of the organized work. They appear very zealous and good, yet when their cases are investigated, they are frequently found to be connected with some selfish and independent enterprise. Great care should be exercised in recommending persons for public work, but those who are worthy certainly deserve this consideration. The closer we walk and the harder we work to be in harmony with all who bear the stamp of consecration, the better it will be for all concerned.

JOHN FRANCIS OLMSTED.