In some ways, the wording is a matter of semantic minutia. Since you talk about motions...I assume you're referring to the elder or council meeting where those desiring to profess their faith are presented, or the bulletin announcement after that reading. I would ask this: Are there situations that might come to light that might cause the elders to either "not approve" or "not welcome"? If the answer is yes....(and I think it is), the wording of "approve" is both more accurate and wiser. Somebody might not be approved for full membership b/c of either a theological position they insist on, or a moral decision they are unrepentant on. They would often still be "welcome" to worship and to participate in certain ways.....but not be approved as full members. Just my thoughts...
My experience is much the same as Ray's explanation below. There is a cost of living increase of 1.5%, or whatever the stats say. And I have usually had some sort of a salary conversation with my elder or somebody from council before the new budget is presented. When my life situation changed (when I married, when my children started Christian School) there were additional conversations. But there's no one size fits all approach that I've found.
Thank you for this John. I've seen the dynamics at play many times, but not had good words for them. One factor that also plays into it, and again, I don't have the words for it, but when I think of your fictitious situation, it's a part...it's the way many choose silence instead of engagement, not b/c of agreement, but b/c of the fear of virtue shaming. Their silence is often assumed to be assent.
Posted in: Must We "Approve" Profession of Faith?
In some ways, the wording is a matter of semantic minutia. Since you talk about motions...I assume you're referring to the elder or council meeting where those desiring to profess their faith are presented, or the bulletin announcement after that reading. I would ask this: Are there situations that might come to light that might cause the elders to either "not approve" or "not welcome"? If the answer is yes....(and I think it is), the wording of "approve" is both more accurate and wiser. Somebody might not be approved for full membership b/c of either a theological position they insist on, or a moral decision they are unrepentant on. They would often still be "welcome" to worship and to participate in certain ways.....but not be approved as full members. Just my thoughts...
Posted in: Adjust Pastor's Salary Based on Years of Service?
My experience is much the same as Ray's explanation below. There is a cost of living increase of 1.5%, or whatever the stats say. And I have usually had some sort of a salary conversation with my elder or somebody from council before the new budget is presented. When my life situation changed (when I married, when my children started Christian School) there were additional conversations. But there's no one size fits all approach that I've found.
Posted in: Three Words Affecting the Church in the New Decade
Thank you for this John. I've seen the dynamics at play many times, but not had good words for them. One factor that also plays into it, and again, I don't have the words for it, but when I think of your fictitious situation, it's a part...it's the way many choose silence instead of engagement, not b/c of agreement, but b/c of the fear of virtue shaming. Their silence is often assumed to be assent.
But again, thank you for this.