The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches

by Edward T. Hiscox

Note 6.—Letters are usually made valid for six months only, during which time they must be used, if used at all. But if held longer, they may be renewed by the church, if satisfactory reasons are given for their non-use.

Note 7.—Each one receiving a letter is still a member of the church, and under its watchcare and discipline, until his letter is actually received by another church.

Note 8.—Letters cannot be given to members for the purpose of uniting with churches with which we are not in fellowship. But any member is entitled, at any time, to receive a certificate of standing, and Christian character.

Note 9.—No member can withdraw from the church, or have his name dropped, or at his own request be excluded from the fellowship of the body without due process of discipline.

Note 10.—Nor can a member have a letter voted and forced upon him without his wish and consent. Such would be a virtual expulsion from the body. If worthy to receive a letter, he cannot be forced out of the church against his will.

Note 11.—Members living remote from the church are expected to unite with some Baptist church near their residence; or give satisfactory reasons for not doing so. When they cannot so unite, they are expected to report themselves to the church at least once each year, and contribute to its support, till they cease to be members.

Note 12.—Letters of dismission may be revoked, at any time before being used, if, in the judgment of the church, there be sufficient cause for such action.

Note 13.—Church fellowship will be withdrawn from members who unite with other denominations; because, however excellent their character, or sincere their intentions, they have broken covenant with the church, and by such act have placed themselves beyond the limits of its fellowship.

Note 14.—Persons excluded from other churches are not to be received to membership, except after the most careful investigation of all the facts in the case, and not unless it be manifest that the exclusion was unjustifiable, and that the church excluding persistently refuses to do justice to the excluded member.

Note 15.—A letter is usually asked for and addressed to the particular church. This is proper, but not always necessary. It may in certain cases be asked for, and given “to the church of the same faith and order.” Or if directed to one, it may be presented to, and received by another.