Announcement
Some time ago ____(name)____ was excluded from membership in the church of
our Lord because he/she did not heed the admonition of the church and
its consistory and remained unrepentant of a sin which gave offense to
God and his church. At that time we were called to pray that God would
use this exclusion as a means of repentance. We now thankfully and joyfully
announce that our brother/sister has shown true repentance and has expressed
his/her desire to be restored to full fellowship with the Lord and his
people. If there are no lawful objections, this readmission will be celebrated
on ____(date)____. Meanwhile, let us praise the Lord for his glorious
manifestation of his powerful grace, and let us ask him to keep our brother/sister
in the grip of his hand during these days of preparation.
Form for Readmission
It is known to you that ____(name)____, who was excluded from membership
in the church of our Lord, has requested to be readmitted to full membership,
with its rights and privileges. Since no one has presented any valid
reason why this readmission should not take place, we now proceed with
gladness to receive again our brother/sister into the church of Jesus
Christ. Our Lord declares in his Word that he takes no pleasure in the
death of the sinner but rather that he/she should return from his/her
ways and live (Ezek. 18; Luke 15). Our Lord also declares that communion
with him and his church is open to all who show sincere repentance and
faith. Again he declares, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven," and, "Whatever
you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (John 20:23; Matt. 16:19).
(name), will you stand now, and in the presence of God
and his people respond to the following questions:
1. Do you acknowledge before God and his people that
you are truly sorry for your sin, and do you believe
that the Lord has forgiven you?
2. Do you reaffirm your union with Christ and desire
to be readmitted to the covenant family of God? 3. Do
you promise to do all you can, with the help of the Holy
Spirit, to strengthen your love and commitment to Christ
by sharing faithfully in the life of the church, honoring
and submitting to its authority; and do you join with
the people of God in doing the work of the Lord everywhere?
Answer: I do, God helping me.
Declaration
By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ this congregation, through its
officebearers, restores you to full fellowship with Christ and his church.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reception
[The minister asks the congregation to rise.]
Minister: Brother/Sister (name) , we heartily
and gladly welcome you back to all the privileges
of full communion. We welcome you to full participation
in the life of the church. We welcome you to its
responsibilities, its joys, and its sufferings. May
God by his Holy Spirit graciously enable you to continue
steadfast in faith and godliness unto the end, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
And you, beloved Christians, receive this brother/sister
with all your love. Count him/her no longer as a stranger, but as a fellow member
with the saints of the household of God. Let us together thank and praise the
Lord!
Congregation: Thanks be to God! We promise you
our love, encouragement, and prayers.
Minister: Let us say what we believe: I believe
in God, the Father almighty . . .
[To be concluded with an appropriate prayer.]
Revision adopted by Synod 1991.
