Why Members Voting on Members Is Their Most Important Job

“I’m writing to anyone who already assumes congregationalism. With that in mind, how does voting on members protect the gospel?” - 9 Marks

Discussion

How do (doctrinal) fundamentalists with congregational governing structures typically reconcile with the dictates of 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:33-35? Is it simply by tightly running the business meetings, such that the church effectively operates as elder-ruled? Any insights or wisdom to share?

From my experience, I've seen the most challenge with staying true to the above passages in church business meetings when matters of church discipline (or loss of pastoral qualification) arose which involved beloved staff members.

I was a member at a smaller Baptist polity fundamentalist church in my early adult years, then was at a large elder-led church for twenty-plus years, and am now at a small elder-ruled church. All of these churches encouraged membership shortly after baptism, a short membership class, and a brief interview, but before strong doctrinal convictions were developed. The 9Marks question seems to suggest that members voting on new members is going to make a difference in protecting "the gospel," whatever that means to them. Granted, there are reasons to screen applicants from membership, but am not sure that those who aren't conducting the interviews are positioned for such. All that said, let's circle back to my original question. How do congregational fundamentalist churches tend to view these dictates? Thanks!

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