When the Pastor is away (say, like at Annual Conference) and there is a visiting Minister who gives an invitation to Christ. The presiding Steward advised the seeker that they could not be received until the return of the Pastor; to come back next Lord's day when the Pastor is there. Their name and addres was recorded. The Steward said that that was Discipline procedure (which I cannot find in the Discipline). I think the Steward "meant well" but is woefully misinformed. What do you think?

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2000

Answers

If the seeker was seeking to join a church then the Steward could have welcome the seeker. I do think it is wise to let the Pastor place the seeker on a class for his Probation and training period. Maybe the visiting pastor wanted to accept the seeker to full membership, that would not have been wise.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2000