As long as you meet the requirements in this section, membership will not be refused on the basis of present health status. However, with the input of our members, board of directors, international cabinet, and advisory council, we have chosen to publish for sharing certain types of needs and to not publish others. Some needs that we publish have specific requirements. For a detailed explanation of the types of needs that are publishable or not publishable, see the publishable needs Guidelines (Sections VI-IX).

We believe these membership requirements benefit all members by being scriptural, and also by minimizing medical risks and costs, ensuring proper accountability, and encouraging good health practices. If at anytime you no longer meet all these membership requirements, you must notify SMI immediately, and your membership and all privileges will terminate unless otherwise indicated.

You must meet all the following requirements to be a member and participate in the newsletter. You must be a member in good standing to have a need published.

A. Be a professing Christian according to Biblical principles. Romans 10:9-10, John 3:3

B. Be in agreement with the member statement of faith below:

Member Statement of Faith
I believe in the triune God of the Bible. He is one God who is three distinct persons—God, the Father; God, the Son; and God the Holy Spirit.
I believe Jesus Christ was God in the flesh—fully God and fully man—who lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, was bodily resurrected on the third day, and now is seated in the heavens at the right hand of God, the Father.
I believe that all men are born sinners and can be saved from eternal death only by trusting in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.

C. Attend church regularly (at least three out of four weeks per month that your health or weather permits). Hebrews 10:25 If it is not possible for you to attend church, please submit a letter giving the details. If you disagree with the determination made, we will present the situation to thirteen members chosen at random, and they will determine your eligibility for Samaritan Ministries.

D. Believe that you are to bear one another’s burdens as taught in the Bible. Galatians 6:2; Philippians 2:4

E. Abstain totally from the use of tobacco and illegal drugs, and agree not to abuse any legal or prescribed substance. Romans 13:1; I Corinthians 6:12

F. Choose option one or two regarding the use of alcohol. Ephesians 5:18
Option 1. Abstain totally from all beverages containing alcohol (Wine used for communion only is an approved exception).
Option 2. Limit consumption of alcohol to low percentage alcoholic beverages, and never drink to drunkenness.

G. Abstain from all unbiblical sexual practices, which includes all activity outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriage. I Corinthians 6:18

H. Agree to practice good health measures in accordance with the principle that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 6:19-20

I. Keep your membership active and current by promptly paying the yearly membership fee and sending your monthly share to all regular needs suggested to you in the newsletter. Luke 16:10 Members who are not current in paying their annual membership fee, and/or monthly share, will not be eligible to have needs published, and will be choosing not to continue their membership if the failure is not corrected after notice has been given. If financial need is the cause of these problems, assistance may be available through the sponsorship program.
(Section V.C)

J. Be in agreement that Christians are not to sue each other in the civil courts or other government agency (1 Cor. 6:1-8, See Section XII of Guidelines). A person initiating a governmental proceeding against SMI to become a member would disqualify himself from membership

K. Sign and send to us your Membership Continuation Form each year confirming that you are meeting the above requirements. Proverbs 10:9

L. Have your pastor or church leader sign a statement confirming that you meet the above requirements. Hebrews 13:17