Appendix 4.3: Inactive Members: Doctrinal and Procedural Clarifications
Faithful attendance and engagement in the life of the church are essential responsibilities of membership. This section exists to protect the integrity and accountability of membership by ensuring that those who represent, vote, or serve in the body are actively involved and spiritually connected.
Unexcused absences are defined as absences for which no reasonable explanation has been given and no effort has been made to communicate with or remain connected to the church body. Examples include willful withdrawal, passive disconnection, or neglect of fellowship without cause. If a member accumulates three (3) consecutive weeks of such absence, they shall be placed on inactive status immediately.
For members who are absent for legitimate, communicated reasons—such as illness, caregiving responsibilities, military deployment, extended travel, or other personal hardship—inactive status shall apply only after six (6) months of continued absence. These situations are treated with compassion and understanding.
Inactive members may not vote in church business matters, serve in leadership or teaching positions, or represent the church in official capacities.
Reinstatement for members who became inactive due to unexcused absences requires faithful, humble, and consistent attendance for the same number of consecutive weeks as their absence, not to exceed one year. This requirement is not punitive, but restorative—reflecting the biblical call for fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8) and the demonstration of renewed commitment and unity within the body (2 Corinthians 7:10–11).
Reinstatement to active status shall occur at the recommendation of the Lead Pastor and Church Council, who will evaluate each case prayerfully and individually. In appropriate cases, the Lead Pastor and/or Church Council may recommend a member for full reinstatement before the one-year period has elapsed if spiritual fruit and renewed faithfulness are evident, and the Spirit confirms such leading.
This policy helps maintain both the health and unity of the congregation, ensuring that membership remains a living covenant of participation, accountability, and love.
Unexcused absences are defined as absences for which no reasonable explanation has been given and no effort has been made to communicate with or remain connected to the church body. Examples include willful withdrawal, passive disconnection, or neglect of fellowship without cause. If a member accumulates three (3) consecutive weeks of such absence, they shall be placed on inactive status immediately.
For members who are absent for legitimate, communicated reasons—such as illness, caregiving responsibilities, military deployment, extended travel, or other personal hardship—inactive status shall apply only after six (6) months of continued absence. These situations are treated with compassion and understanding.
Inactive members may not vote in church business matters, serve in leadership or teaching positions, or represent the church in official capacities.
Reinstatement for members who became inactive due to unexcused absences requires faithful, humble, and consistent attendance for the same number of consecutive weeks as their absence, not to exceed one year. This requirement is not punitive, but restorative—reflecting the biblical call for fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8) and the demonstration of renewed commitment and unity within the body (2 Corinthians 7:10–11).
Reinstatement to active status shall occur at the recommendation of the Lead Pastor and Church Council, who will evaluate each case prayerfully and individually. In appropriate cases, the Lead Pastor and/or Church Council may recommend a member for full reinstatement before the one-year period has elapsed if spiritual fruit and renewed faithfulness are evident, and the Spirit confirms such leading.
This policy helps maintain both the health and unity of the congregation, ensuring that membership remains a living covenant of participation, accountability, and love.