Becoming a Member
Anyone may come and learn. Membership is a further step, taken in stages, each resting on the one before it.
Anyone may come and learn
The ministry teaches all nations. Bible studies, Sabbath school, lessons and cultural events are open, and a visitor is under no obligation beyond attending. Our gates remain open to all who earnestly seek the truth.
What membership means
Our statutes are scripturally based and make up almost all our holy events, and those events are for baptised brethren. This is why the ministry takes seriously the distinction between what is open and what is kept. Members are baptised brethren, children offered up after the traditions of our forefathers, and the children of baptised parents who are below the age of baptism.
The steps
First, the path of truth. A commitment to personal integrity and leadership.
Second, the covenant of circumcision, and the recognition that the ministry represents the Church.
Third, supping at Passover. After some months of attending, an enquirer who wishes to go further may say so. A member of the council will look into the sincerity of that intention. If it is favourable, the person is invited to break bread with the Israelite family at Passover. The supreme council holds full discretion here. Men, and parents of male children, must be circumcised to attend (Exodus 12:47–49).
Fourth, baptism, which follows the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread. Those who have supped are considered brethren and spend four or five months in preparation, learning the basics of Israelite culture.
Fifth, consecration to the Most High God of Israel, kept as a service after the baptism.
After baptism
Baptised brethren are subject to the laws, statutes and commandments set forth in the scriptures, and may attend the holy days, services and feasts. They receive the constitution and bylaws, and members’ rights and privileges as defined there. Those over twenty-one are expected to pay tithes in accordance with policy.