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1.
COMMITMENT.
Church membership underscores the biblical principles
of commitment and covenant. There are several ways to express commitment mentioned in the
Bible. Taking an oath (Nehemiah 10:28), verbal declaration (Joshua 24:15) offering of a
sacrifice (Genesis 31:43-52) and a written agreement (Nehemiah 9:38) all are statements of
commitment in the Bible.
2. RELATIONSHIP.
Church membership serves as a preventative against shallow and
consumer-type fellowship. In any relationship differences are bound to arise, feelings
hurt, and mistakes made. Where there is no commitment the temptation to leave the church
to find one better "suited" to our perceived needs is present. This results in
the unbiblical practice of Christians leaving churches without trying to work out the
differences. Jesus said, "If your brother offends you, go to him in private and try
to win him over." Commitment through church membership says, "Even though we
disagree, I respect and honor you and will trust God to work out the differences."
3.
RESPONSIBILITY
Commitment via church membership fosters the godly qualities
of responsibility and ownership toward God's work. When we feel this is "my church
family", we are concerned about the needs, activities, and people of our church. We
more clearly see that the people we worship with are not merely fellow Christians but
actually brothers and sisters in the household of God.
4. OWNERSHIP
The fourth reason is a legal one. Every corporation must have
members. Legally, it is the members who are directly responsible for decisions related to
property belonging to a church. It is the members along with the church board who elect
our church leaders.
5. LEADERSHIP
And church membership provides us with a practical means of
knowing who is committed to the work of God in our midst. It would not be proper for a
person to have the privilege of influence without the responsibility of commitment. Those
who are in places of influence and leadership must first be tested.
Source: Thomas R. Connors, a pastor in
Lemmon Valley, Nevada,
published in the February 1991 Glad Tidings.
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