Proclaiming Christ ... For His Glory ... For Your Good

Are You Confused About Church Membership?

Many in our day are confused about church membership.  Why is it important to ‘join’ a church; is membership all that necessary?  Some would like to receive the benefits of membership without the commitment; others simply don’t understand the role it plays in their walk with Christ.

Several reasons exist for becoming a member of a local congregation.  Let’s take a look at some of them.  (The following reasons are outlined in Dr. Donald Whitney’s book entitled, Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church.)

1. It is Biblical.
2. You show that you’re not ashamed to identify with Jesus or His people.
3. You stop being an independent Christian.
4. You participate in a stronger, more unified effort of God’s people.
5. You have more opportunities to use your spiritual gift(s).
6. You demonstrate the reality of the Body of Christ.
7. You are preserved from imbalance.
8. You take responsibility in working along with other Christians.
9. You encourage other believers by your commitment.
10. You encourage a local congregation when you consider it faithful and join.

 

In every Biblical metaphor used to describe a church, an assumption is made – commitment and responsibility.  The illustrations of an army, body, family, flock, and temple are all used in describing the life of a church.  None of these operate with out commitment, responsibility, accountability, or belonging.  None of these organize around the principle of come and go as you please and we will ask nothing of you.

Benefits of membership must not be overlooked either.  For instance, Paul tells church leaders in Acts 20:28 to “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.”  Pastors have the responsibility to oversee and protect the flock.  Pastors must know whom they are to oversee.  As a Christian, if you wish to have pastoral care then you should officially join yourself to the church.  Hebrews 13:17 further exemplifies this by calling pastors to responsible care and individuals to submission.  An undefined flock is nonexistent.

The Bible makes no provision for independent Christians.  Scripture is clear: we are to serve one another, support one another, encourage one another, hold one another accountable, and worship with one another.  You may say, “I can do that without membership.”  In reality, however, none of these can be done Biblically without a commitment on the part of a local congregation to one another.

 

Doug Richey, Pastor-Teacher