Of Church Authority...

In this post I would like to open a discussion about the authority of the church as it pertains to its members.

It is important to point out first what I mean by "member".  A member is someone who does not merely attend a church every week.  Any Christian that regularly attends a specific church I respectfully suggest that they prayerfully consider becoming a member of the church they attend.  Becoming a member may be called different things depending on the denomination your church belongs to.  Some churches use the term "Communicant Member", others use the term "Professing Member", still others use the term "Voting Member".  Regardless of the term used a member basically takes on certain responsibilities, which are generally laid out in the by-laws of the church.  Those responsibilities may include, without limitation, voting in perspective elders or deacons, voting in a perspective pastor, or voting on which missionary organizations the church will support.  Were you aware that, as a member, you have those responsibilities, among others?