835-837

835. The local board of administration may establish a committee on witness and membership, composed of the pastor, the vice-chair of the local board of administration, the local church secretary, the lay leader (if any), and such other members as the local board of administration shall elect. The local board of administration shall name a board member as chair of the committee, and the committee shall choose its own vice-chair and secretary. General regulations governing membership on this committee are given in 825.

837. The local board of administration shall assign such duties to the committee on witness and membership as it deems best, including any or all of the following:

(1) To conduct the examination of candidates for membership; to counsel with members concerning any failure to observe the Membership Commitments (265); to have initial responsibility in the annual revision of the membership roll; to assist the pastor in any attempts to restore members who have ceased to attend or support the church; and to make recommendations concerning all these matters to the local board of administration in accordance with the principles of Christian discipline (268; 782:8-13).

(2) To make recommendations to the local board of administration concerning revivals and other evangelistic efforts.

(3) To alert the local church to its responsibilities in the area of community social and political reform, recommending courses of action it deems necessary to the local board of administration (cf. 410).

(4) To nominate, for election by the local board of administration, such standing or special subcommittees as the local board of administration shall approve, with a member of the committee as chair of each.