Many denominations, and consequently congregations...
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Many denominations, and consequently congregations within them, have the tradition of maintaining a variety of membership rolls. We hear of rolls preceded by such adjectives as active, affiliate, out-of-town, baptized, and prospective member. But the adjective which intrigues me most is that of inactive. How is it possible that the Church offers a living witness to the world yet describes one category of membership as inactive? The query is raised for more than metaphorical consideration. Who are we kidding? Certainly not the Lord Jesus Christ. Certainly not the author of Hebrews. Still, it seems clear enough that some who claimed to be members in the early Church were indeed inactive, else why would the author of the epistle encourage its readers to "consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some ..." (10:24-
25)? Our call to persevere in the faith rests in remembrance of the sacrifice of the One who breathes life and hope into that faith. Is there not a field for evangelism in our individual congregation's inactive membership? -- Saxon
25)? Our call to persevere in the faith rests in remembrance of the sacrifice of the One who breathes life and hope into that faith. Is there not a field for evangelism in our individual congregation's inactive membership? -- Saxon
