In today's church culture it is a trend to not expect anyone to "join" the church. In other words we should not expect people to become members. Attending church is enough. Is this correct? Why would we expect membership? Is it Biblical?
We should take a moment to acknowledge that in the early church there was not a question of church membership. It was not even mentioned. Why is that? Because in the early church making a commitment meant that you were part of the Body. Period. The idea that you might need to join was a non-issue.
What has changed? Well the church has changed. The church has become an institution. The invitation has also changed, not to mention the terminology. We have begun to invite people to get saved instead of inviting others to become followers of Christ. That is something to chew on and discuss more in depth at another time.
So are there good reasons for encouraging people who come to Christ or believers who begin to attend the Church to join in membership? Yes I think there are. Milfred Minatrea in his book Shaped by God's Heart (pg. 32) shares four reasons NorthWood Church gives for people to join their church. We would do well to think on these reasons and perhaps share them with the people who are attending the Churches we serve.
We should take a moment to acknowledge that in the early church there was not a question of church membership. It was not even mentioned. Why is that? Because in the early church making a commitment meant that you were part of the Body. Period. The idea that you might need to join was a non-issue.
What has changed? Well the church has changed. The church has become an institution. The invitation has also changed, not to mention the terminology. We have begun to invite people to get saved instead of inviting others to become followers of Christ. That is something to chew on and discuss more in depth at another time.
So are there good reasons for encouraging people who come to Christ or believers who begin to attend the Church to join in membership? Yes I think there are. Milfred Minatrea in his book Shaped by God's Heart (pg. 32) shares four reasons NorthWood Church gives for people to join their church. We would do well to think on these reasons and perhaps share them with the people who are attending the Churches we serve.
- A biblical reason: Christ is committed to the church. In Ephesians 5.25 Paul writes, "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her." This reminds us that Christ gave all for His church and we should love the Church because He loves the Church and commit to it.
- A cultural reason: It is an antidote to our society. Especially, in the American Church we find consumerism running rampant. It seems a novel idea to some that we would join a church to serve rather than be served. The statement, "what have you done for me lately." seems the common call of many church attenders.
- A practical reason: It defines who can be counted on. As NorthWood points out every team has a roster, every school has an enrollment, every business has a payroll and even the army has an enlistment. We, the shepherds of the church need to know who is with us and to what level they can be counted on.
- A personal reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament is clear that we really cannot be all that God intends for us to be on our own, fellowship is required. We need the accountability and encouragement that we get through long term relationship with other believers.
Membership really does matter. Leading on purpose means we might have to engage our congregations to make membership a priority,
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