What, exactly, is an orthodox Protestant? There are so damn many sects.
Besides, isn’t the gist of Protestantism that you read the Bible, have a chat with Jesus, and make up your own mind about everything? How hard is it to stick to that?
“Besides, isn’t the gist of Protestantism that you read the Bible, have a chat with Jesus, and make up your own mind about everything?”
Heavens no.
The conservative, that is to say, Bible believing churches have certain standards. They are usually basically covered in the Apostle’s Creed. You can’t be a member unless you submit to those standards.
Were you to walk into my church any Sunday, you’d be welcomed. But you could not be a member without baptism, a public profession of faith, and regular attendance, and without any outward observable unrepentant sin going on.
You couldn’t just go home and hide, either. You’d get regular visitation and interaction with church elders and other church members.
If you aren’t a member, you can’t vote, you can’t lead in any ministry from Sunday School teacher to greeter, and you can’t take communion. All you can do is attend.