Donation Requirement For Baptism

[jana at jade house]

Yes, you read that right. We are getting here commentary from two separate South American missions that there is not only an attendance requirement, but a donation requirement before baptism.  One source says tithe, one source says donation not tithe.   Since this is two missions, it con't be just a pilot program authored by a well- meaning lone mission president  Mister Google reports that this program has already gained a little traction in the anti- sites.  

 

I undestand the retention rate in SA is a challenge, I think everyone everywhere should be attending far longer and more consistently before baptism. But to require a donation?  To require tithe?   Oh man, I can see this as a real source of misery PR wise.

[Calm]

What about a contribution to welfare?  There is some concern with the need to approach the welfare system in nonAmerican countries with a nonAmerican approach.  I am wondering if someone is getting creative requiring a donation first before granting access through baptism?

[Calm]

They require a sign of commitment for the Word of Wisdom of not smoking or drinking, etc. prior to baptism for at least a few days, it makes sense that since part of the covenant of baptism is paying tithes to have prospective members demonstrate a commitment to paying tithes (maybe a week's worth?) before making the covenant and then refusing to do so for whatever reason in violation of baptism covenants.  Same thing with keeping the law of chastity, there has to be some form of commitment prior to baptism demonstrated, not afterwards.  Given the retention rate and the complaints of some that they didn't know what they were getting into, I think having them live a closer life to what will be expected afterwards is more helpful for the investigator.  How will he know if he will really want to pay tithing unless he is placed in that situation?

[Jeanne]

Somebody..please tell me this is not true.  Being a member of the one anad true church is getting quite costly..not that members should be giving, but ..oh..I can't believe this..sick..tell me this is not true anywhere in the LDS world?

[halconero]

Somebody..please tell me this is not true. Being a member of the one anad true church is getting quite costly..not that members should be giving, but ..oh..I can't believe this..sick..tell me this is not true anywhere in the LDS world?

Yeah, because God's true Gospel would never ask its followers to give up all they have, consecrate their goods to a common fund for the Church, or require any cost at all.

[Danzo]

Yes, you read that right. We are getting here commentary from two separate South American missions that there is not only an attendance requirement, but a donation requirement before baptism.  One source says tithe, one source says donation not tithe.   Since this is two missions, it con't be just a pilot program authored by a well- meaning lone mission president  Mister Google reports that this program has already gained a little traction in the anti- sites.  

 

I undestand the retention rate in SA is a challenge, I think everyone everywhere should be attending far longer and more consistently before baptism. But to require a donation?  To require tithe?   Oh man, I can see this as a real source of misery PR wise.

 

Can you provide us a link or some other evidence besides just rumor?

[BookofMormonLuvr]

Can you provide us a link or some other evidence besides just rumor?

 

http://www.nearingkolob.com/new-mormons-converts-must-pay-baptized/

[BookofMormonLuvr]

Seems they may be piloting the idea in the South American Northwest Area to see if it flies.

[Danzo]

http://www.nearingkolob.com/new-mormons-converts-must-pay-baptized/

 

Interesting,  Three conflicting 2nd hand reports from unofficial sources.

 

While its likely that something is happening, perhaps we should wait until we have all of the information before rushing to judgement.

[cinepro]

Were he still around, Marion G. Romney might be surprised by this development:
 
 

Christ’s invitation to become his disciple is universal. He extends it to everyone. His call and promise is “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
 
And he has said “that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am” (D&C 93:1).
 
Jesus put no money price tag on his invitation. Nephi quotes him as saying, “Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price” (2 Ne. 26:25).
 
This does not mean, however, that because he put no money price on it that there is no cost involved. There is a cost to be paid in becoming a disciple of Christ, a very real cost. But the cost is a performance cost, not a money price.

Maybe it will be like the guy in the Spiderman costume on Hollywood Blvd. who will let you take a picture with him for free, but ya' know, tips are appreciated...

Edited September 19, 2014 by cinepro

[HappyJackWagon]

Instead of requiring a donation maybe the mission could just have the investigator sign an affidavit stating they will not seek church welfare for at least ______X months. The church gets their committment without requiring any up front $$$ and the investigator gets to feel the love.