Fraternity of Faith?

My senior year in college I began to consider joining a fraternity. I spoke with several friends that had done so about the rewards and responsibilities. Word got out and several organizations showed interest at the prospect of a new member. Soon several invitations to "Greek Coffee" packed my campus mailbox.

During the exploratory meetings there were three topics of discussion: benefits, activities, and pledging. That experience was not unpleasant. I survived the pledging phase and enjoyed membership and participation in many worthwhile service projects.

Fast forward. I've recently visited a small congregation on a variety of occasions. A friend has been helping the church through an intentional interim period. He and I discussed the church's journey and some of the hurdles they faced. I have been considering volunteering with some training events and coaching with their small group leaders. Suddenly, the wheels went flat (and may yet come off).

What happened?

Some of the values the key leaders adopted during the last pastor's tenure make it difficult to recover to a healthy state to fulfill their mission. This phrase from their website offers some insight, "If you want to know more about our church or are ready to join our membership, we invite you to attend our Newcomers' orientation the next time it is offered." The key is one hasn't been offered since the former pastor left and there is not one on the schedule. Having read every page of their website I'm left with the impression that while strangers may be welcome, membership has many qualifications before real belonging can be achieved. When leaders fear granting influence to new and unproven members, the church becomes a place where anyone can leave but no one can join.

Many issues must be addressed. They must embrace new members and be willing to trust new leadership including the next pastor.