Chapter 46, “The Admission of New Members” (pp. 261-263)
Admission of members to the congregation is important, just as exclusion is. It belongs to the pastor and the congregation together. Walther requires the following.
1 - The person has been baptized.
2 - If an adult, he must confess the Scripture as well as the Small Catechism and Augsburg Confession.
3 - Desire to join the church
4 - A Christian life without offense
5 - Not under excommunication
It is best to receive the new member with the pastor and an elder who will investigate the candidate. The new member will sign his name on the church constitution.
When the person is coming from a different faith tradition examination and instruction are very important.
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