1 reply to this topic

[bcuzofhim]

HI,

I am new to the C&MA. I have left my baptist church after 17 years to serve in a church closer to my home. I love that church, but felt it was the right time to move on as my kids are in elementary and highschool.

Anyhow, we have decided to search for a church and narrowed it down to three churches. We have decided to attend each for a month, and attend some small groups. One of the churches I like, and learned, is a C&MA church. It is 2 years in existance with approx 400 people. It does not own its own building, but rents space. Also big on small groups. I don't have a probloem with this at all.

Since I didn't know anything about C&MA, I downloaded the entire 263 page C&MA manual which included the Doctrinal statement and constitution and bylaws, along with everything else you wanted to know about C&MA. I practically read the entire thing. It is a great document and very well written. I really like what I read, and agree with it all. Just what I was looking for.

I understand that there are "Developing" churches and "Accredited" churches. This church is most likely a Developing church and has not yet become accredited. My questions is this:

Do all churches, whether developing or accredited, have to abide by the constitution exactly? I read much about membership, voting in the Governing authority, officers, and such. I also read that there should be annual meetings as well. In the church discipline policy, it speaks about expulsion and the removal of membership.

I also understand that the church is a cross between presbyterian and congregtioanal. Does this mean that the curch is elder run, but also allows for the voting members?

I do not think this church has membership. I am very cautious in picking a church that I will be exposing my family to. I am trying to meet the pastor for questions, but it seems like this will be a task to get some of his time.

I would appreciate it you could provide some clarity on some od my questions.

Thanks.

[Joel Stoddert]

HI,

I am new to the C&MA. I have left my baptist church after 17 years to serve in a church closer to my home. I love that church, but felt it was the right time to move on as my kids are in elementary and highschool.

Anyhow, we have decided to search for a church and narrowed it down to three churches. We have decided to attend each for a month, and attend some small groups. One of the churches I like, and learned, is a C&MA church. It is 2 years in existance with approx 400 people. It does not own its own building, but rents space. Also big on small groups. I don't have a probloem with this at all.

Since I didn't know anything about C&MA, I downloaded the entire 263 page C&MA manual which included the Doctrinal statement and constitution and bylaws, along with everything else you wanted to know about C&MA. I practically read the entire thing. It is a great document and very well written. I really like what I read, and agree with it all. Just what I was looking for.

I understand that there are "Developing" churches and "Accredited" churches. This church is most likely a Developing church and has not yet become accredited. My questions is this:

Do all churches, whether developing or accredited, have to abide by the constitution exactly? I read much about membership, voting in the Governing authority, officers, and such. I also read that there should be annual meetings as well. In the church discipline policy, it speaks about expulsion and the removal of membership.

I also understand that the church is a cross between presbyterian and congregtioanal. Does this mean that the curch is elder run, but also allows for the voting members?

I do not think this church has membership. I am very cautious in picking a church that I will be exposing my family to. I am trying to meet the pastor for questions, but it seems like this will be a task to get some of his time.

I would appreciate it you could provide some clarity on some od my questions.

Thanks.

To answer a couple of your questions, yes the Alliance is a cross between presbyterian & congregational polity, with elders as spiritual leaders, but a voting congregation (including voting on who may serve as an elder). I joined the C&MA as an adult myself after being in a little church which was Congregational & Baptist in background. Doctrinally, the C&MA's doctrine is mainstream evangelical teaching. They are distinctive in holding up the Lord as Healer and Sanctifier, though. You may have heard the term "Fourfold Gospel" while visiting the C&MA church--that is, Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer & Coming King. Any Bible believing Christian would agree that the Lord is the one who sanctifies us, but the Alliance emphasizes this doctrine more than most. The same is true of the emphasis on Christ our Healer. The Bible clearly teaches the Lord is able to heal, & a denomination believing that is nothing unusual, but the Alliance highlights this ministry of Christ. That being said, A.B. Simpson, founder of the C&MA, counseled against holding up divine healing more than other spiritual gifts, but also against avoiding the topic.