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The Church Manual (Church of the Brethren)/Chapter 10

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CHAPTER X.


THE CHURCH VISIT.

For the church visit there is no direct Scriptural authority, but it has always been a practice in the church as a means to an end. The end desired is that all the members may be in unity and peace, so that they may participate in the Communion services in a worthy manner. 1 Cor. 2: 27.

The visit is made by the deacons of the church, it being part of their official duty. Ministers have the liberty to make, or assist in making, the visit if they think it best that they should do so, especially in cases where deacons have had no experience in this kind of church work. In cases of necessity, lay-members may also be called upon to assist in the visit.

The design of the visit is to determine the spiritual condition of the members, and if there is any trouble existing in the minds of any in regard to their faith, or any trouble between member and member, it is the duty of those making the visit to inquire into the nature of such troubles, and, as far as possible, assist in having them satisfactorily adjusted and removed. If this cannot be done, they must be reported to the church.

The visit is made prior to the Communion meetings, and it is thought best that two should go together and go from house to house. The importance of this visit cannot be overestimated, and therefore it should be made with great care, taking time enough at each house, when practicable, to have a season of worship with the family.

As a guide to the character of the visit the following form of questions has been submitted:

1. Are you still in the faith of the Gospel, as you declared when you were baptized?

2. Are you, as far as you know, in peace and union with the church?

3. Will you still labor with the Brethren for an increase of holiness, both in yourself and others?

4. Liberty should be given to members to bring anything they may desire to, and which they may think the good of the church requires, before the visiting brethren.

After all the members have been visited, the deacons, or those who make the visit, report what they have found, or the condition of the members, at a church-meeting appointed for the purpose and to make the necessary arrangements for Communion services.