Do I really have to? This question is often heard when kids try to get out of having to do something. It’s not enjoyable. It’s not convenient. There’s no immediate pay-off. So, therefore the question, ‘Do I really have to?’ This doesn’t only happen with kids though.
We hear the question coming from employees, students, and even the citizenry of communities. No one likes the responsibility of doing things they don’t find convenient or fun. No one likes to be told what to do. This is a mark of our society. Individuals don’t like being under authority and measure most everything by its ‘fun’ factor. This reality has even affected the way people perceive preaching. Read the rest of this entry »
Our corporate experience motivates, informs, and holds accountable our . . .
• Shared identity. We are not saved as individuals to then be left as individuals walking with Jesus one on one. Therefore, we are not free to think of our faith as only a personal or private matter (we are a: flock – Jn. 10:16; temple – Eph. 2:21, 22; household – Eph. 2:19; body – Eph. 1:22-23; church – Matt. 16:18, 1 Tim. 3:15; bride – Rev. 19:7, 21:9; new humanity – Eph. 4:22-24; holy nation – 1 Pet. 2:9; royal priesthood – 1 Pet. 2:9; a chosen people – 1 Pet. 2:9; possession of God – 1 Pet. 2:9).
• Congregational gatherings. In light of what we share and need, we are to gather regularly to stimulate one another to good works to the glory of God (Heb. 10:19-25).
• Evangelistic efforts. Our unity demonstrates that God Read the rest of this entry »
This past weekend I heard a news story on a Christian radio station regarding the ministry efforts of a Florida church. The story related their efforts at providing people in their area with the option of doing church via the internet. Unfortunately, they are not the only group attempting this kind of ‘church.’ When asked about those participating on-line rather than in person, one of the pastors stated, ‘…this will give people the full affect of church.’ Is this true? Are people able to get the ‘full affect’ of church by participating in such a format? Maybe this question itself betrays an error Read the rest of this entry »
One of the more difficult challenges facing pastors and churches when considering church discipline and responsible church membership is the fear of the unknown. These biblical responsibilities have been neglected for so long that few understand them or have seen them in practice. Add to this the desire to keep ‘the peace’ by avoiding offence and you have a recipe for congregational paralysis. What is a pastor or church to do in such circumstances? Read the rest of this entry »
The following books have proven to be very helpful in explaining the importance of church membership and its many implications.
Read the rest of this entry »
Recently we reached an important milestone for our congregation. Since my arrival as Pastor of Pisgah Baptist Church nearly five years ago, I’ve formally and informally preached toward a proper understanding of what it means to be the Body of Christ. So much of the Bible relates directly to our shared experience, identity, and responsibilities rather than individual issues. God communicates to His people, not to a large number of individuals that are unrelated to one another and ‘flying solo.’ In light of this preaching, we also began working through the practical implications of membership. Working with our staff, deacons, and membership review committee, we started a membership process three years ago that would ultimately bring us to an accurate picture of who Pisgah Baptist really is.
When I arrived, Pisgah had a membership of 958 people. As a result of congregational action on May 12, we are now a congregation of approximately 385 (any given month we see 324+ participate). This did not occur overnight, nor did it occur in one simple vote. The process involved a lot of discussions, meetings, contacts, investigation, and prayer.
What follows is a response to a thoughtful question Read the rest of this entry »
Recovering a Biblical Maintenance of Church Membership
Submitted by Doug Richey
Messenger from Pisgah Baptist, Excelsior Springs, MO
October 30, 2006
Approved by the Messengers of the MBC w/o dissent October 2006
WHEREAS, our 2005 Annual Church Profile reveals that though we have a total of 592,902
members, we run an average of 187,654 people in worship attendance , which includes non-members such as children, guests, and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the continual reporting of inflated membership numbers creates a distorted picture of ministry,
can breed integrity problems, and perpetuates a misunderstanding of the nature and significance
of membership in the local church; and
WHEREAS, a faithful New Testament church that maintains Biblical membership standards will
experience a broader more effective Gospel witness ; and Read the rest of this entry »
