Membership
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.”
How can one belong to Christ, and not His body, of which He is the Head?
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:
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.
How do I Become a Member of Grace?
To become a member at Grace PCA involves a 3-step process.
First, those desiring membership meet with Dr. Jacobs and his wife Debbie. The purpose of this meeting is getting to know each other. Our Pastor will ask you to share your testimony; that is how you came to saving faith in Christ. He will encourage all prospective members to review ‘The Distinctives of Grace” booklet which is an overview of the church’s beliefs and practices. The “Distinctives of Grace” is also available in audio on our church website under the "Resources” tab. It is available in both written and audio formats.
Second, you will briefly meet with our church Session. This meeting will be arranged by the Session. They will also be interested in hearing your testimony, as well as available to answer any questions you may have. Upon approval by the
Session, during that same meeting, our Pastor will ask you the following questions from our Book of Church Order.
will welcome you as a member of Grace PCA.
Third, the new member is to be asked these same questions before the church on a Sunday morning. If you, as a new believer, or your children are in need of baptism, the ordinance of baptism will be given at this time. Members who have given a profession of faith are Communing Members. That means that they are admitted to the Lord’s Table by the Session.
Members who have not given a profession of faith are Non-Communing Members. Typically Non-Communing Members are the children of believing parents. Non-Communing members are entitled to baptism, pastoral oversight, instruction and the government of the church, but not admitted to the Lord’s Table, until such a time that they are able to give a profession of faith. - from TABLETALK Magazine
INFANT BAPTISM
The divisions over baptism become most evident when discussing the proper recipients of the sacrament. Most American evangelicals only baptize those who have verbally professed faith. Yet many Christians follow the majority practice of church history and administer the ordinance to adults and their infant children.
The New Testament nowhere commands us to baptize infants, but neither does it anywhere forbid it. Recognizing this fact, we will offer a brief case for infant baptism in the hopes of understanding why it is practiced by many Christians.
First, in the Old Testament, there is no standard chronology for faith and circumcision. Abraham was circumcised after professing faith (Gen. 17:22–27), but Isaac was circumcised before his confession (21:4). Faith in the Lord was necessary in both cases to appropriate all the benefits that circumcision promises, but the administration of the sign and seal was not tied to the timing of their faith. Circumcision and baptism are linked (Col. 2:8–15), and so baptism, like circumcision, need not be tied to the moment of profession.
Second, the old covenant promises were given to adults and their children, and this was depicted in circumcision. Thus, it is hard to imagine that the greater new covenant promises and signs should not also be given to the infant children of believing adults. In today’s passage, Peter actually tells us the new covenant promises are gifts for the children of believers (Acts 2:38–39). Twenty-five percent of the baptisms found in the New Testament are of entire households, and these homes likely included children.
Finally, Paul says the children of a Christian parent are set apart to God (1 Cor. 7:12–14). Circumcision visibly set a child of believers apart under the old covenant, and so it would be hard for Jewish converts to believe the Lord would not include new covenant children in the seal that sets people apart as part of the visible community. Like circumcision, baptism without personal faith avails nothing. But baptism does mark the child as part of the visible church and liable to stricter judgment if the recipient never trusts God (Luke 12:41–48).
Whether or not we baptize infants, 1 Corinthians 7:12–14 reveals that children of believers have a relationship to the Lord that the offspring of non-believers do not share. They are in the visible church where they enjoy hearing the preached Word of God. But while the church does play a part in teaching children about Christ, the church is not to do all the work. We as parents, family, and friends must impress the teachings of Jesus upon the children we know.
- from TABLETALK Magazine
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.”
How can one belong to Christ, and not His body, of which He is the Head?
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.
How do I Become a Member of Grace?
To become a member at Grace PCA involves a 3-step process.
First, those desiring membership meet with Dr. Jacobs and his wife Debbie. The purpose of this meeting is getting to know each other. Our Pastor will ask you to share your testimony; that is how you came to saving faith in Christ. He will encourage all prospective members to review ‘The Distinctives of Grace” booklet which is an overview of the church’s beliefs and practices. The “Distinctives of Grace” is also available in audio on our church website under the "Resources” tab. It is available in both written and audio formats.
Second, you will briefly meet with our church Session. This meeting will be arranged by the Session. They will also be interested in hearing your testimony, as well as available to answer any questions you may have. Upon approval by the
Session, during that same meeting, our Pastor will ask you the following questions from our Book of Church Order.
- Do you acknowledge yourself to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?
- Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation?
- Do you now resolve in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit that you will endeavor to live as becomes a follower of Christ?
- Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
- Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?
will welcome you as a member of Grace PCA.
Third, the new member is to be asked these same questions before the church on a Sunday morning. If you, as a new believer, or your children are in need of baptism, the ordinance of baptism will be given at this time. Members who have given a profession of faith are Communing Members. That means that they are admitted to the Lord’s Table by the Session.
Members who have not given a profession of faith are Non-Communing Members. Typically Non-Communing Members are the children of believing parents. Non-Communing members are entitled to baptism, pastoral oversight, instruction and the government of the church, but not admitted to the Lord’s Table, until such a time that they are able to give a profession of faith. - from TABLETALK Magazine
INFANT BAPTISM
The divisions over baptism become most evident when discussing the proper recipients of the sacrament. Most American evangelicals only baptize those who have verbally professed faith. Yet many Christians follow the majority practice of church history and administer the ordinance to adults and their infant children.
The New Testament nowhere commands us to baptize infants, but neither does it anywhere forbid it. Recognizing this fact, we will offer a brief case for infant baptism in the hopes of understanding why it is practiced by many Christians.
First, in the Old Testament, there is no standard chronology for faith and circumcision. Abraham was circumcised after professing faith (Gen. 17:22–27), but Isaac was circumcised before his confession (21:4). Faith in the Lord was necessary in both cases to appropriate all the benefits that circumcision promises, but the administration of the sign and seal was not tied to the timing of their faith. Circumcision and baptism are linked (Col. 2:8–15), and so baptism, like circumcision, need not be tied to the moment of profession.
Second, the old covenant promises were given to adults and their children, and this was depicted in circumcision. Thus, it is hard to imagine that the greater new covenant promises and signs should not also be given to the infant children of believing adults. In today’s passage, Peter actually tells us the new covenant promises are gifts for the children of believers (Acts 2:38–39). Twenty-five percent of the baptisms found in the New Testament are of entire households, and these homes likely included children.
Finally, Paul says the children of a Christian parent are set apart to God (1 Cor. 7:12–14). Circumcision visibly set a child of believers apart under the old covenant, and so it would be hard for Jewish converts to believe the Lord would not include new covenant children in the seal that sets people apart as part of the visible community. Like circumcision, baptism without personal faith avails nothing. But baptism does mark the child as part of the visible church and liable to stricter judgment if the recipient never trusts God (Luke 12:41–48).
Whether or not we baptize infants, 1 Corinthians 7:12–14 reveals that children of believers have a relationship to the Lord that the offspring of non-believers do not share. They are in the visible church where they enjoy hearing the preached Word of God. But while the church does play a part in teaching children about Christ, the church is not to do all the work. We as parents, family, and friends must impress the teachings of Jesus upon the children we know.
- from TABLETALK Magazine