Pre-Qualify

I’ve just read through a Personal Commitment form for a church in my community. Before having a membership relationship with this church one must of course believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Additional requirements for the prospective member are sharing their personal testimony with a selected elder team member, attending the church introduction class and completing the discipleship training. The candidate must also be maintaining a lifestyle of growth, service and commitment to Christ and to the mission of the XYZ Church. Last but not least the candidate must be willing to live in harmony with the articles [of the denomination], the Statement of Faith, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and the policies of the church. What ever happened to ‘Come Just as You Are?’