Should polls and surveys be used by churches to determine doctrine and practice?

__________________
Stephen Welch
PCA Teaching Elder
Nova Scotia

Isn't that Congregationalism.

__________________
Daniel Ritchie
Saintfield, Northern Ireland - Queen's University, Belfast:History/Politics
Member of Dromara Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland (Covenanter)

Polls should be used to gain valuable feedback on any number of issues in the church, particularly in larger congregations, but NOT for determining doctrine.

__________________
Dennis E. McFadden, Ex Mainline Baptist (in Remission)
Atherton Baptist Homes, CEO
First Baptist Church of Alhambra, Member, Transformation Ministries (CA)

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

Or should doctrine and practice determine our polls?

__________________
Josh Hicks, Chloë's Daddy
Member of TRBC. My Blog
The Puritan Pub (Team Blog)
Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

Now I know why you are the administrator of this fine establishment,

An Administrator. Definitely not the caliber of man who could be THE Administrator.

I know this to be the case for some. Even PCA churches are falling prey to this pragmatic practice. I think it would be helpful if someone could do a poll on this very issue and determine if polls and surveys are not some form of "new measures."

I was horrified a few years ago when someone in the church suggested that we do a poll to see what kind of music people wanted and what type of fellowship gatherings we should have, etc. I was glad that pastor put a stop to it.

__________________
J Baldwin
Keowee Presbyterian Church, PCA
Pickens, SC
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

Check Out My Blog: http://reflectjoy.blogspot.com/

Amen! I have known of PCA churches that have not only taken polls to determine the kind of worship the congregation wanted but also taken polls to determine what kind of minister to call or what to look for in a minister. Is this not the work of the session who seeks wisdom from the LORD?

I'm the idiot who answered yes. I didn't read the full question - please disregard.

__________________
Mason
Member, Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA)
New York, NY

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." - Isaiah 1:18

Uh-uh

__________________
~Jay~
Husband of ENS, father of J II. | Indian Trail, NC
Teacher Aide, Union County Public Schools, NC
Communicant Member, Precentor | Presbyterian Reformed Church of Charlotte, NC | Presbyterian Reformed Church

Was wondering, "Who in the world?!" or at least, "Who on the PB?!!"

__________________
JC
URCNA
PA

"Forgiveness is primarily for our own sake, so that we no longer carry the burden of resentment. But to forgive does not mean we will allow injustice again." --Jack Kornfield

I must confess that I was being somewhat mischevious (which my wife will affirm) and tried to confuse people. I am getting Spring fever up here in Nova Scotia. You can always vote again. This is the beauty of the American system, you can vote as many times as you want

At least you did not vote "other."

What do you mean by doctrine AND practice?


On the the admission and dismissal of members and baptisms, how much should the congregations be involved. The NT speaks of the whole church agreeing on many aspects. The doctrine need not change (because even congregational churches have statements of faith) but practices vary from those that are closely hinged to doctrine and those that are loosely hinged to doctrine.

I see a lot of congregational involvement in the NT.

__________________
Pergamum


"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
-- David Livingstone

churches should poll the congregation only if hte pastor in his sermon intends to put "Doctrine, reproof, instruction, and training" in his sermon. failure to poll and warn before hand may cause the congregation to feel guilty. we dont want them to feel guilty but rather give them a boost for the coming week.

__________________
Jeff Rod
Eastwood Presbyterian Church PCA
member.
webpage: myspace.com/reformationforever

To live a simple, peaceable life before God
To owe as little as possible, to few as possible.