Why should anyone become a member of a church? What purpose does it serve? When we think of memberships, we might think about membership to a Sam’s Club, LA Fitness, or even a country club. Membership in this case usually means that we have paid dues in order to receive certain privileges. Is this the same for the church? Absolutely not!
In the church it is not about privilege, but responsibility. Hopefully I haven’t scared you away with that word, “responsibility”. We have enough responsibilities in the world with our job, family, school, etc. Why on earth would we want to add another responsibility? Well let me tell you why.
Church Membership is Biblical
The Bible teaches about covenant community. The Apostle Paul in a letter to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) reminds the church that they are one body with many members. The word member as used in the Bible is closely related to the biological term for body parts. In other words Paul is suggesting that we are not complete until we are connected to the body. The church is the body of Christ and the place where we find our true purpose.
Church Membership is the presence of the Living Christ
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus states that “…where ever two or more gather together in my name, I am there.” We see Christ when we gather together. One of our own members here at Cornerstone, Dr. Mark Stamm, shared this in an article he wrote for UMC.org and I couldn’t have said it better myself:
“The church continues to insist that our hearts are warmed as we hear the Scriptures read and proclaimed (Luke 24: 32), that the Risen Christ is known in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24: 35). Indeed, the mystery of the Risen Christ is present in the midst of my sisters and brothers. They hear my confession and proclaim God’s forgiveness. They embrace me, they laugh and cry with me, and God heals me in and through all of that. My brothers and sisters know my shortcomings, and so they keep me honest, but they also know my potential, and so they call forth my gifts. They share their heritage and their wisdom and give me people to teach. I need their commitment to me, and they need me as well.” (Our Membership Vows by Dr. Mark W. Stamm)
Church Membership is a Covenantal Community
Sure, as Christians we are a part of Christ’s universal church. However without being a member of a local church, who will keep you accountable. We need face-to-face community. John Wesley stated that Christianity is a social religion and thus requires a covenant community. In this sort of community we are surrounded by others who watch over us in love and we for them.
In the United Methodist Church we make vows both to the UMC and the local congregation that we join. The vow we make to the UMC is that we, as members of Christ’s universal Church, will be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church, and do all in our power to strengthen its ministries. The vow we make to the local congregation is that we will faithfully participate in its ministries by our
prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.
Membership in a church is important. It doesn’t save us (Jesus does), but it enables us to grow and become spiritually mature in Christ. Many are unwilling to become a member of a church, even one they have been attending for years, because they are not sure what it will cost them.
Join us for a new series beginning this Sunday, October 8th, as we explore the vow we make to the local congregation when we become members.
