---

One of the gravest of modern ecclesiastical problems relates to the removal of members. There is a constant drain on our Churches through business exigencies, family arrangements, the habit of removing from town into the country, etc. In some neighbourhoods in the course of a few years the personnel of the congregation is entirely changed. What becomes of those who thus remove? It is notorious that a vast number drop out of Church life altogether. This like other problems arises from our departure from apostolic precedent. Members leave without reporting themselves either to the Church they are leaving, or to the Church to which they are removing; they are allowed to leave without commendation, or are allowed to come without welcome; and failing to adjust themselves to their new environment they simply fall out of the Church's ranks and so are lost. But even at this early date an arrangement was made which effectually checked this evil. A member of a particular Church was made to feel that he was a member of the Church of Christ everywhere. And so the "brethren" at Ephesus commended by letter Apollos to the "disciples" at Corinth, who, when he arrived in his new sphere in the most natural manner imaginable, took up the threads of his old life and continued his old work. Note then —

I. THAT THE CHURCH FROM WHICH A MEMBER IS REMOVING SHOULD COMMEND HIM TO THE CHURCH TO WHICH HE REMOVES.

1. This authenticates the member and is an effectual safeguard against imposture. In the absence of such a commendation the caution which is mistaken for coldness is only natural, for many a Church has suffered from receiving non-authenticated strangers.

2. This secures for the member a welcome and a home. There can be no hesitation in receiving one who has earned a good report amongst those who have known him for years.

3. This shows a brotherly interest in the prosperity of other Churches. "Brother So-and-so has been of use to us as a Sunday school teacher, or a church officer — make use of him; he will do you good, as he has done us good."

II. THE CHURCH TO WHICH A MEMBER REMOVES SHOULD "RECEIVE" HIM, if he brings his credentials —

1. Without suspicion. He has been already approved by a sister Church, and should not have to undergo another period of probation.

2. With hearty brotherly affection. Parting with old associates if often most distressing; let him feel that he has only changed one group of brethren for another.

3. To full Church rights and privileges. Let him take as nearly as possible the position he occupied amongst his old friends. This was what the Corinthians did in the case of Apollos.

III. A MEMBER ON REMOVING SHOULD ASK FOR HIS CREDENTIALS AND AT ONCE PRESENT THEM AND CONTRIBUTE HIS SHARE OF CHURCH LIFE AND USEFULNESS.

1. He should put a proper value on his membership by securing its continuity himself. How is the Church to know he is removing and where he is removing to without information? Surely it is not infra dig. to give this information, and to secure at least a friendly recommendation!

2. He should not wait to be "looked up" in his new sphere, and because screened from observation in some back seat, or lost in the crowd of retiring worshippers, complain that he is neglected.

3. He should take as deep an interest in the work of his new sphere as in the work of the old. This is what Apollos did. Conclusion: This rule should not be sectarian. When a member of one branch of Christ's Church removes to a place represented only by another branch, let him be duly accredited and received as belonging to the common Christian community; and let him not withhold his full fellowship, least of all create a schism ill favour of his own denomination because of some difference in creed or polity.

(J. W. Burn.)

---

---

KJV: And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

WEB: When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;