The following books have proven to be very helpful in explaining the importance of church membership and its many implications.
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 »
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 »
Q. Why is it important to ‘join’ a church; is membership all that necessary?
A. Several reasons exist for becoming a member of a local congregation. Let’s take a look at some of them. (The following reasons are outlined in Dr. Donald Whitney’s book entitled, ‘Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church.’) Read the rest of this entry »
