What is Membership?
Membership as a concept is often misunderstood when it comes to the local church. We are members of families, worker unions, fitness centres, extracurricular clubs, and teams, but do we really need to be members of the church?
In Christ, we become members of the family of God and members of the body of Christ—the Church.
Scripture is clear that to be a Christian is to be a member of the church and, as such, a member of a local congregation.
Why be a Member?
Membership is important. Here are four reasons:
Membership is a concept that runs throughout the Scriptures.
Membership in a local church pushes back against the individualism of our world and submits ourselves to a community that is about something much bigger than ourselves.
Membership identifies those who are actively committed to the mission, vision, and values of the church and gives a weightier voice to those who are actively involved.
Membership is a means through which God produces spiritual growth in His people, as we are forced to rub shoulders with brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we may have disagreements.