Why Church Membership?
Church membership is the mutual acceptance and commitment between the church body and an individual.
Reasons for Church Membership:
Identification with God's People
Membership helps to identify one with Christ's church, the people, in a particular place. God's people have always been clearly identified even though the expression of identification has varied by culture and time. Though common in America, the idea of the "independent Christian" is totally alien to the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 12:20 states "There are many members, but one Body." Christ designed and instituted His church so that His people could be clearly identified with the church and be known as the body of Christ.
Increased Effectiveness
It has been said, "the sum of the parts is greater than the whole." So it is with the church. Just as logs joined together burn much brighter than independent logs, so Christians gathered together are able to accomplish much more than as individuals.
A Sense of Belonging
The sense of belonging is significantly heightened when one formally joins any group or organization. Ownership shifts from them to us. It is no longer "their church", but "our church" . Therefore, one feels more comfortable and readily expects and claims the benefits of belonging.
Acceptance of Responsibility
To enjoy the fullest benefits of the church, one must accept full responsibility for the church. Through membership, the Christian becomes an active participant rather than merely a spectator. As a shareholder, he/she shares rights and responsibilities of the team.
Compliance
- In Ephesians 5:21 we are commanded to be submissive to one another.
- When believers have differences they are to submit those differences to the rule of the church rather than the secular court (Matthew 15:17, Corinthians 6:1).
- When we get out of line in our beliefs or behavior, the church is responsible to discipline us for our benefit and the testimony of Christ (Titus 3:10, 1 Corinthians 5:12, 2 Corinthians 2, Romans 16:17).
- Membership, therefore declares our submission to the body of Christ and to the spiritual leadership of that body.
Legal Function
To function as a church (non-profit organization) requires some kind of membership by state law.