Do you belong to a church? Sadly, there are many professing Christians who just stay at home and are content to watch television or simply worship with their families at home. Many others simply assume that attending a church is equal to being a member. Attendance, however, is only the first step; it should lead to a formal membership.
What Is Church Membership?
Everyone who is trusting in Christ and repenting of his sins should be baptized and united to a local church (Acts 2:41). While many churches do not have formal membership, the Bible assumes that all Christians should be a recognized member of a local church where they are loved and accounted for. Church membership is the outward demonstration of one’s inner commitment to identify with Christ and His followers, worship God with them, be taught the Scriptures, submit to God’s ordained authority structure, selflessly serve other believers, and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ together. In this way, a believer is accountable to the church so that there is an observable spiritual growth. When no such growth is evident, then he will be admonished gently by the church and the leadership with an aim of restoration. How can one belong to Christ, and not His body, of which He is the Head?
What Is the Biblical Basis for Church Membership?
- Church members are known and cared for by the church.
In the book of Acts, Luke records specific numbers of those who belonged to the church. In Acts 1:15, there were 120; in Acts 2:41, three thousand were added; in Acts 4:4, the number increased to five thousand. Also, in 1 Timothy 5:9 widows were recognized members of the congregation whose needs were known and whose names were put on a list for special care.
- Church officers are chosen by the church.
In Acts 6:2–5, the Apostles instructed the believers in Jerusalem to “pick out from among you seven men” to serve the people. “From among you” indicates clarity of “who is in” and “who is out.” There were those who identified themselves with the local church as the members who belonged and were counted in, so that their personal, domestic, and ministerial qualifications and giftedness was known.
- Church discipline is practiced.
Corrective church discipline requires formal membership. In Matthew 18:15–17, the church is brought into the process at step three. In Corinthians 5:1-13, the church must censure the disobedient brother. Also, in 1 Corinthians 5:12–13, we read: “What have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you have to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’” The phrases “outsiders” and “from among” indicate that the local congregation at Corinth knew who was a part of the church and who was not. Further, in 2 Corinthians 2:6 Paul says, “For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough.” This is a clear indication of corporate decision by a vote to determine “the majority.”
- The church participates in corporate worship.
Notice that 1 Corinthians 14:23 says, “If therefore the whole church comes together . . .” It says that the church assembles or meets together. The actual meaning of the word “church” is an assembly, convocation, or gathering. Again, in 1 Corinthians 14:26, we read: “When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” The requirement of each member is to participate in orderly worship, and this requires an understanding of who is “in.”
- Pastors and shepherds must give an account for their flock.
In Hebrews 13:17, we are instructed, “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.” How can pastors keep watch over their flock and stand before God to give an account for the flock that He entrusted to their care if they do not have a means by which to know who is in the flock?
What Is the Benefit of Church Membership?
The Bible makes statements and gives directions that only make sense in the context of formal church membership. It is therefore necessary for every one of us as Christians to pursue membership at a gospel-preaching church where we receive:
- the faithful exposition of the gospel and the whole counsel of God as the main spiritual diet for our growth;
- the loving and edifying Christian fellowship from members;
- the caring shepherding of biblically qualified elders;
- the commitment to the right administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper; and
- the right administration of both formative and corrective church discipline.
Conclusion
While this article has sought to demonstrate that church membership is biblical, it is not intended to encourage thoughtless church membership, nor is it intended to deter those who are sincerely and actively seeking God’s will in searching for a biblical local church. The decision of which church to join often cannot be made quickly, and one may need to visit a few churches before committing to membership. A wise person evaluates a church carefully before joining its membership.
May the Lord help us all to be godly churchmen and faithful servants in His vineyard.