1. Introduction
The Church stands firm in its identity as a remnant of the authentic, apostolic Church of Christ. While the Church values the sharing of faith and encourages its members to live out their beliefs, it does not engage in active proselytism to seek new members. This policy outlines the Church’s stance on proselytism, the responsibilities of its members, and the ethical means of sharing the faith.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Clarify the Church’s position on proselytism and its commitment to caring for existing members.
- Establish guidelines for members on how to share their faith responsibly and ethically.
- Reinforce the belief that the primary mission of the Church is to nurture and support its current community.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all clergy, staff, volunteers, and members of the Church of Jerusalem. It covers all activities related to faith sharing, including personal interactions, community events, and outreach efforts.
4. Policy on Proselytism
4.1. No Active Proselytism
- The Church does not engage in active proselytism to seek new members. This includes organised campaigns or outreach efforts specifically aimed at converting individuals from other faiths or belief systems.
- The Church maintains its identity as a small remnant of the authentic Church and prioritises the spiritual growth and wellbeing of its current members.
4.2. Responsibility to Care for Members
- The primary focus of the Church is to nurture, support, and care for its existing community. Members are encouraged to foster a deep sense of belonging and commitment within the Church.
- Spiritual education, pastoral care, and community-building activities should take precedence over seeking new members.
5. Ethical Sharing of Faith
5.1. Encouragement to Share Faith
- While the Church does not actively seek new members, it encourages its members to share their faith with others in a respectful and authentic manner. This sharing should arise from genuine relationships rather than coercive or manipulative tactics.
5.2. Ethical Means of Evangelisation
- Members must never resort to unethical means to share their faith. This includes:
- Coercion or pressure: Members should respect the beliefs and choices of others and not impose their faith in a way that could be perceived as aggressive or manipulative.
- Misrepresentation: Members must present the teachings of the Church truthfully and avoid misleading claims about the faith.
- Exploitation: Sharing the faith should not exploit vulnerabilities or hardships of individuals.
6. Education and Formation
- The Church will provide ongoing education and formation for members on the importance of ethical faith sharing and the theological foundations of the Church’s mission. This may include workshops, discussions, and resources to help members articulate their faith thoughtfully and respectfully.
7. Conclusion
The Church of Jerusalem is committed to its role as a remnant of the authentic, apostolic Church of Christ. By adhering to this policy, the Church affirms its responsibility to nurture its members while encouraging ethical and respectful sharing of faith. This approach ensures that the Church remains a supportive community, focused on spiritual growth and the wellbeing of all its members.
October 2, 2008; March 5, 2013
