john said:
Wes,
Would you mind explaining what you mean by "and your committment to your church"? Do you mean a personal committment or more of a formal committment to give a certain amount? If the first, I have no problem, but if the second, I would be wary. It seems if it was a formal committment it might soon come in to conflict with "a matter for your conscience". How would resolve the two in that situation?
I'm not sure how to answer your question between a "personal" or "formal" committment. Do you mean a committment without definiting it? How would a "formal" committment come in conflict with your conscience?
What I have in mind when I speak of "committment to the church" is your overall profession of faith and joining a particular church which includes submitting to the authority of the elders and faithfully sharing in the life of the church. This could include giving of your time, talents, and financial support.
If the church needs a certain amount of resources to support it's ministry, staff, or facility needs they may ask for a pledge from members of the congregation. I would think you'd carefully consider how you could participate. If you were unable to meet that committment because of loss of income or health related issues I think you'd be free from any obligations to give your time or money without violating your conscience.
Wes
