A few years ago a (Reorganized) LDS family joined our church. In addition to having received the living Christ of Scripture, they also embraced a reformed understanding of God's covenant.
So...at their request, we baptized their two infant children--by immersion. Before you picture me dunking babies in the font by the heel, as I understand some church communions do, I should explain that the "infants" were 3 and 7 years old. The family owned a swimming pool, so immersing these young children in the "infant" category (i.e. without a personal profession of faith) went "swimmingly."
I've never heard of a situation like this one before. Anyone else seen or done this?
I completely agree that there is something very healthy about being called to service rather than status. And your focus in lifelong learning is great. Thank you.
However, I think a significant issue for Ministry Associates is that--at least so far as I know--they are not eligible for the Ministers Pension Fund, nor are their congregations required by the Church Order to provide them with health insurance.
These forms of "honor" would greatly reduce the "Rodney Dangerfield" syndrome. I think one of the best ways we can honor those who serve is by providing them with decent benefits.
Perhaps there is some movement afoot in this area. Can you comment?
We have a sermon-based Small Group ministry we call "Table Fellowship." Here's a brief video I did for our classis about Table Fellowship: http://youtu.be/UvXfwa_zOO4
Posted in: Unique Baptismal Situations
Hi Rick,
Great discussion starter question!
A few years ago a (Reorganized) LDS family joined our church. In addition to having received the living Christ of Scripture, they also embraced a reformed understanding of God's covenant.
So...at their request, we baptized their two infant children--by immersion. Before you picture me dunking babies in the font by the heel, as I understand some church communions do, I should explain that the "infants" were 3 and 7 years old. The family owned a swimming pool, so immersing these young children in the "infant" category (i.e. without a personal profession of faith) went "swimmingly."
I've never heard of a situation like this one before. Anyone else seen or done this?
Dave Hornor
Peace Community CRC
Houston, TX
Posted in: Pastor Rodney Dangerfield
Hi, Dave.
I completely agree that there is something very healthy about being called to service rather than status. And your focus in lifelong learning is great. Thank you.
However, I think a significant issue for Ministry Associates is that--at least so far as I know--they are not eligible for the Ministers Pension Fund, nor are their congregations required by the Church Order to provide them with health insurance.
These forms of "honor" would greatly reduce the "Rodney Dangerfield" syndrome. I think one of the best ways we can honor those who serve is by providing them with decent benefits.
Perhaps there is some movement afoot in this area. Can you comment?
Dave H.
Posted in: Pastor Rodney Dangerfield
I'm delighted to hear that some substantial work has already been done in the area of benefits. That's great. Thanks for the information.
Posted in: Sermon Based Small Group Experiment
We have a sermon-based Small Group ministry we call "Table Fellowship." Here's a brief video I did for our classis about Table Fellowship: http://youtu.be/UvXfwa_zOO4