MEMBER SUPPORT SERVICE

BIBLICAL REASONS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
“Connecting Believer’s to the Local Church”

WHY IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IMPORTANT?

Many Christians ask, "Is joining a local church necessary?" The New Testament has ample evidence that when a person trusts Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and takes on new identity in Christ, that person immediately attaches to a local band of believers.

1. It Was an Apostolic Precedent
   In the Early Church believers met with the apostles daily for teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. No indication is given that any believers remained separated from the local church. For example, the apostle Paul tried to "join the local disciples" when he relocated to a new community
   • Acts 2:42–47
   • Acts 9:26
2. "Ekklesia" is The Original Greek Word for "Church"
   Ekklesia means "the called-out ones." The word itself denotes being called out of something (the world) and into something else (the church). This includes both the Church universal and the local church. Spiritually speaking, we become a part of the Church (the body of Christ) worldwide. Practically speaking, however, we become a part of the local church in our own communities and spheres of influence. We cannot be called out of one thing without being called into another. The Book of Acts does not mention an invisible church.
3. Church Membership is an Expression of Commitment
   In a world where commitment is diluted and loyalty is nonexistent, the church serves as a standard of commitment. Jesus is looking for those who will not look back, have counted the cost, and are willing to give up everything to follow Him. Church membership is a commitment to the Body through the times of blessing as well as times of trial.
   • Luke 9:62
   • Luke 14:33
4. Church Membership Models Caring
   Church members exist to accomplish many functions, including devotion to each other, honoring one another, sharing with each other, and practicing hospitality. The apostle Paul went so far as to say that the members belong to each other. This model of a caring community can best take place when the individual members of the Body make a commitment to one another.
   • Romans 12
   • 1 Corinthians 12
5. Church Membership Shares The Burden
   We are instructed to carry each other’s burdens. Sometimes we need each other to carry the heavy burdens life hands out. A commitment to church membership says, "I’m willing to share the load and help carry someone else’s burdens. I’ll be available when needed." This also allows the individual members to rest assured that someday they’ll need help carrying a burden, and someone will be there to help—much as a healthy family functions.
   • Galatians 6:2
   • 1 Corinthians 12:26
6. Church Membership Says, "I’ll Serve"
   As one must join the military to have the privilege and duty of serving one’s country, so it is with the church. We must join the ranks of the committed to receive the full benefit of serving God. Someone has said, "You are either a spectator on the sidelines or a participant in the trenches." God is looking for participants in His army. Ephesians 4:12 declares that the members of the church are to be equipped for service. Only true members are issued equipment to carry out the Great Commission. All spiritual gifts are intended to operate within the context of the local church.
   • Matthew 28:18–20
   • 1 Corinthians 12:7
7. Church Membership is an Attitude of Submission
   Church members submit first to each other and then to Christ, for Christ is the head of the Church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Scripture is clear that the church is not an organization with a ladder of hierarchy, encouraging its members to climb the ladder. In sharp contrast, the church is like a body with Christ as the head—at the controls. All members are to submit to the head, her one and only leader. The result should be mutual submission to one another and to Christ. This allows accountability with each other and enables others to add counsel and correction to our lives if necessary.
   • Hebrews 10:24,25
   • Matthew 18:15–17
8. Church Membership is Symbolic of Our Heavenly Citizenship
   "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household…" Being committed to the family of God grants us citizenship and eliminates our alien status. When foreigners want to become official citizens and gain access to the rights and privileges of a different country, they must make a commitment to and take responsibility for the safety of, defense of, constitution of, and authorities of that country. Christians are God’s people through faith in Jesus Christ and are added to God’s household.
   • Ephesians 2:19
   • John 14:6

C O N C L U S I O N
Making a commitment to the local church means much more than adding your name to a roll book. It means taking the responsibilities that come along with the privileges, being blessed and blessing others.