ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

1.   QUALIFICATIONS

     Any person who has been born again of the Spirit (John 3:3, 5, 7, 16), has publicly confessed Christ as their Savior (Rom. 9-10), has been baptized after

     conversion (Acts 2:41), accepts the articles of faith and practice of the Salem Evangelical Mennonite Church, and who is willing to take the vows of membership

     shall be eligible for membership.  (The pastor and his wife are members of the church which they serve.)

2.   PROCEDURE

     Any person desiring membership in this church shall make his request to the pastor.  An appropriate application-for-membership form shall be completed by each

     applicant.  The pastor shall present these forms to the membership committee for proper action according to the provisions of Part IV, Article II, A, of the

     Conference Manual.  Certificates of membership will be issued to all new members.

3.  DUTIES

     A.  As a Christian believer, a member shall be loyal to Christ and the Church.  He shall grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by means

          of prayer, study of the Word, and faithful attendance at church services.  He shall put off the works of the flesh such as anger, lust, strife and impure and

          malicious speech, and put on the graces of love, patience, temperance and humility.  He shall also keep himself from any habits or practices which are harmful

          to the body because the body is the Lord's.

     B.  It is the duty of members to support and build up the church by prayerful interest, faithful attendance at services and generous gifts as the Lord provides. 

          Members shall be respectful and obedient to those who are over them in the Lord.  They shall seek to foster a spirit of forbearance and kindness toward one

          another, forgiving one another as God for Christ's sake has forgiven them.

    C.  Members of the church are to be witnesses to the world, demonstrating the Christian life by living separately from worldly practices and refraining from

          pleasures, amusements, and social contacts that dishonor Christ, bring reproach upon the church or exert a harmful influence upon others.  Conduct and dress

          shall be in keeping with the high calling of a Christian.  Members shall constantly bear in mind that their primary task is to exemplify Christ in order to cause

          others to believe in Him.

    D.  It is the duty of members to pray for leaders in government and to respect and obey constituted authority except in matters opposed to the revealed will of God. 

         Members are expected to affirm instead of taking oaths, provision for which is made by the government.

4.  PRIVILEGES

     A. VOTING MEMBERS

          a.  Members in good standing, who are 16 years or older, may act and vote in the transaction of business of the church, hold office, and enjoy all the rights and

               privileges generally accorded to members

          b.  An Associate Member status is available to persons who desire to fellowship with this church, but who wish to retain their credentials with another

               organization with similar faith and practice.  The status of associate shall be dropped once the person has left the area and/or is no longer active in Salem

               Church.

      B.  NONVOTING MEMBERS

            a.  Youth under 16 years of age, who meet other membership requirements, are not voting members.  Upon reaching 16 years of age, the individual will be

                 granted voting-membership status.  Prior to the individuals 16th birthday efforts will be made to review, with the individual, the nature of the church and the

                 meaning of membership.  Public recognition of voting status will be given to the individual upon reaching 16 years of age.

            b.  Any member who has failed to maintain contact with the church, either through attendance or financial contribution, for a period of one year shall be place

                 upon the Inactive membership roll.  They will be notified in writing, and if possible, by a personal visit when this action is deemed necessary.  They may be

                 reinstated to voting membership status upon request to, and approval of, the Board of Deacons.

            c.  Any member, who for a period of one year or more, finds it impossible to be active or faithful at Salem Church because of involvement in another church or

                 ministry at home or elsewhere, will be placed on the Member Active Elsewhere roll.  They will be notified in writing and if possible by a personal visit when

                 this action is deemed necessary.  They may be reinstated to voting membership status upon request to, and approval of, the Board of Deacons.

5.  DISCIPLINE

     Recognizing that Christians can stumble, it may become necessary to discipline a member.  It shall always be done in a spirit of love and humility with the goal of

     restoration (Gal. 6:1).  Matthew 18: 15-17 outlines the procedure.  Such action shall ultimately be the responsibility of the Pastors and Deacons.  (See Conference

     Manual Part IV, Article II, Part A for an expanded statement).

6.  TERMINATION

     A person's membership may be terminated at his request, due to transfer or as a consequence of disciplinary action.