Whats the point of formal church membership?
• We believe there at least 3 reasons for becoming a member of a local New Testament church: First, the concept of membership is Biblical. Throughout the New Testament, new believers in Jesus Christ would identify themselves with a local group of believers. According to Acts 2:43-47, they would care, study, pray, worship, serve, and evangelize together and for each other. They were devoted participants. Second, formal membership expands the body of believers for works of service. Ephesians 4:11-12 informs us that Christ gifted certain leaders in the church for the “equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry.” I Corinthians 12 states that we are one body with many parts (spiritual gifts). Church membership opens the door for you to serve with your spiritual gifts. It is the plan initiated by Christ Himself. • Third, membership benefits the individual and families. In a culture where commitment is no longer highly valued, membership is an important step out of the vague clouds
