5550

5550. When candidates for membership have been approved for reception as given in 550–565, the pastor shall appoint a time during a regular worship service for their public reception, and shall preside over the service of reception or appoint a representative to preside. In those churches in which the local churches must vote on the reception of members, such vote should be taken at a meeting prior to the service of reception. Paragraphs 5565–5567, “Reception of Members,” “Covenant Questions,” and “Declaration of Purpose,” have the authority of statutory law. The paragraphs must be followed as prescribed, except that paragraph 5566 may be addressed during membership preparation classes and omitted during the service of reception if a shortened service is desired.