Journal: Faith and Mission
Volume: FM 05:1 (Fall 1987)
Article: Reflections On The Roxboro Congregation’s Experience In Modifying Its Membership Policy
Author: Stewart A. Newman

FM 5:1 (Fall 1987) p. 25

Reflections On The Roxboro Congregation’s Experience
In Modifying Its Membership Policy

Stewart A. Newman

Emeritus Professor of Philosophy
Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

Like most Southern Baptist congregations, this church has followed a rather rigid policy of receiving members from non-Baptist congregations. They were received “as candidates for baptism.” It is also evident, from their reaction to suggestions that they modify this policy, that they had followed the plan without having given much thought to its implications. In fact, it seems to have been followed so regularly as to have become a traditional plan.

Again, like most other Southern Baptist congregations, the article reveals that a rather rigid perspective of Landmarkism had prevailed. All persons who were members of Baptist churches were acceptable to them. All other persons were alien to them and had to become qualified by additional experience, namely, baptism by the Roxboro church. Churches like Roxboro were quite comfortable in this process. They occupied themselves with their organizational structures and with promotional endeavors normally initiated by the denomination. They had given little thought to the religious status of those alien to them in churches of other persuasions.

The congregation seems to have put considerable emphasis on a traditional Baptist hallmark, “believers Baptism,” for it became a major factor in their resolution of their problem. They changed their policy by becoming willing to accept at face value believers baptism when experienced in other than Baptist circles.

The article reveals a wholesome sensitivity to problems in their traditional policy, once the issue had been raised. This sensitivity is especially apparent in the lay-membership of the church. The deacons assumed leadership in a reconsideration of the traditional routine. None seemed to be aware of specific items in that policy, but they evidenced an unease with regard to it. They sensed that they may not have been altogether fair in assuming that the Christian experience of non-Baptists seeking membership was not adequate.

As is usually the case, when the issue was raised there was almost immediate dissent. It became a matter of no little concern for some members of the congregation. It became a controversial issue among the churches associated with them in denominational endeavors. This latter dissent was aroused with no regard for the principle of local church autonomy.

Although the Roxboro group did not become analytical to the extent of identifying specifically items in their traditional policy with which they

FM 5:1 (Fall 1987) p. 26

differed,...