Joining the Church

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 8, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 14.

Joining the Church.

JOINING a church used to mean something. It meant in most cases that the person who thus made public profession of faith in Christ had not only a religious experience of a definite character, but that he had certain convictions of truth in harmony with the body of which he became a member. . . . But in many instances nowadays people do not seem to join a church in this spirit. The church of Smithville calls the Rev. Dr. Boanerges to become their pastor, and he accepts the call. At once the church, which had been for some time languishing, experiences a new life. The congregations fill the house; the pews are all rented; the Sunday-school thrives; conversions are frequent. All this is most encouraging, and the church congratulates itself on its prosperity. But some fine day Dr. Boanerges receives a call from Jonestown, which he decides that it is his duty to accept. It is noted that a large proportion of those who have been added to the church during his pastorate gradually drop off and are seen no more. . . . The reason for these things is not hard to find. The converts under the preaching of Dr. Boanerges have not joined the church at all; they have simply joined him.—Examiner.