Dear 9Marks,
I have read the Nine Marks material, particularly the emphasis on church membership, and I agree 100%. The problem we face in Utah County is that we have an 85% LDS population and over 90% in our community. As Mormons are leaving their church membership behind and embracing Christ, they are being asked to join another church membership. Having been theologically led astray and sociologically manipulated by their former church, any kind of membership is a huge stumbling block to them, and immediately raises red flags in their mind. Consequently, we do not have an official church membership. How do we ever get to that structure if the people’s experience is a negative one, and they view it as a mechanism of control?
—Steve
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Hey Steve,
Your question is extremely important. I hope more pastors in Utah will think about church membership with your level of concern. As our culture becomes more hostile to institutions, pastors everywhere will encounter more skepticism about church membership. In Utah, we have an additional challenge: we minister to people who have been manipulated and deceived by a false authoritarian “church” and its leaders. Many ex-Mormons want the kingdom of Christ, but
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