Membership: What Does It Look Like?
Introduction
In Part One of this three-part post, I made the short case that biblical church membership is the best option for Christians in the local church. I realize such a claim begs a number of questions, the foremost being, “What is membership and what does it look like?” This is an excellent and necessary question, because membership can’t just exist on paper. If that were the case, those who disregard the concept of membership would be in the right to do so.
In the minds and experiences of many, membership is nothing more than a status that exists in a filing cabinet, but the differences between members and non-members are not quantifiable in any way of consequence. At most, the members show up to vote once per year on the church budget. Big deal, right? Why should anyone want to become a member if there’s nothing tangible attached to it? The solution to this all-too-common problem is not to throw out membership, but rather to take it more seriously.
If we say membership matters, let’s live like it. Let me first define what I mean by “membership”. Church membership a formal, covenanted relationship between an individual/family and a local church.
In the minds and experiences of many, membership is nothing more than a status that exists in a filing cabinet, but the differences between members and non-members are not quantifiable in any way of consequence. At most, the members show up to vote once per year on the church budget. Big deal, right? Why should anyone want to become a member if there’s nothing tangible attached to it? The solution to this all-too-common problem is not to throw out membership, but rather to take it more seriously.
If we say membership matters, let’s live like it. Let me first define what I mean by “membership”. Church membership a formal, covenanted relationship between an individual/family and a local church.
It Starts With The Local Church
We know what an individual or family is, but what is a local church? Why talk about that here? If we don’t value the local church, we certainly won’t value local church membership. Understanding why membership matters necessitates we first understand why the local church matters. Let me offer a summary what the Bible says about this.
In short, the church is God’s chosen means of primary gospel witness on earth until he returns. A longer case should be made for this (perhaps in another post), but the local church is the context of the New Testament. The four Gospels tell us about Christ and his finished work, which created the church. Acts is the story of the church taking root all over the region, seen through the inception of local churches. The epistles are all written to local churches, groups of local churches, local church pastors, or a local church member. The Revelation is a letter to seven actual churches, and three letters of Paul are called “Pastoral Epistles” because of the blatant and intentional focus of strengthening the local church. More could be said on this, but the takeaway is that the overwhelming importance of the local church is a major thrust of the New Testament.
If the local church matters so much to God, that means it should also matter to us. The structure of it matters. Behavior within it matters. Relationships between the people of the church matter (and as I pointed out in the first post in this series, we have to start by knowing who those people are).
Our opinion of the church should reflect God’s opinion of the church, and we should take hold of every opportunity to strengthen and invest in a local body. Our assertion is that membership is really the foundation to accomplish all of this. Let me tell you what membership looks like on the ground.
In short, the church is God’s chosen means of primary gospel witness on earth until he returns. A longer case should be made for this (perhaps in another post), but the local church is the context of the New Testament. The four Gospels tell us about Christ and his finished work, which created the church. Acts is the story of the church taking root all over the region, seen through the inception of local churches. The epistles are all written to local churches, groups of local churches, local church pastors, or a local church member. The Revelation is a letter to seven actual churches, and three letters of Paul are called “Pastoral Epistles” because of the blatant and intentional focus of strengthening the local church. More could be said on this, but the takeaway is that the overwhelming importance of the local church is a major thrust of the New Testament.
If the local church matters so much to God, that means it should also matter to us. The structure of it matters. Behavior within it matters. Relationships between the people of the church matter (and as I pointed out in the first post in this series, we have to start by knowing who those people are).
Our opinion of the church should reflect God’s opinion of the church, and we should take hold of every opportunity to strengthen and invest in a local body. Our assertion is that membership is really the foundation to accomplish all of this. Let me tell you what membership looks like on the ground.
Generous Unity
People who join in covenant at Bayview Bible Church can expect a generous unity of orthodox and Protestant belief. I just used a couple of ten-dollar words, so let me explain. When I say we are generous within orthodoxy and Protestantism, what I mean is that anyone who falls into the category of historic Christianity broadly (orthodoxy) and is a product of the Reformation specifically (Protestant) may join this church with a good conscience. If that sounds far-fetched, I want to point out that many people from a variety of corners of Christendom have already done this.
Within our ranks, we have Baptists of different flavors. We have Presbyterians. We have folks from Lutheran and even Quaker backgrounds. From the “frozen chosen” to “holy rollers,” you can find an interesting cross-section at Bayview Bible Church. Now, let me be clear: this theological diversity does sometimes present some challenges, but it also pushes us into a position of learning to die on the right hills, take things in stride, major on the “majors,” and be constantly evaluating our own convictions with the Bible as our standard.
Also, even though there is a range of convictions and backgrounds among the members, this does not result in the elders teaching in a watered-down, mushy middle sort of way to keep everyone happy. The elders actually hold to a rather specific and historical confession of faith as our teaching position (the Second London Baptist Confession). We believe the position and responsibilities of the elders require a greater level of solidarity in doctrine and practice, so we seek to teach with conviction while striving to be charitable whenever possible.
The point is, if you fall into the broad categories of orthodox and Protestant, you are welcome to exist as a member in good standing here. You can also be assured that your elders work hard to understand the doctrinal guardrails mentioned above, and we are vigilant to keep the church safe from serious error and focused on the Word of God.
If you have more questions about this, please visit the “Our Beliefs” page on the website or come and talk to me. It is my joy to discuss these things!
Within our ranks, we have Baptists of different flavors. We have Presbyterians. We have folks from Lutheran and even Quaker backgrounds. From the “frozen chosen” to “holy rollers,” you can find an interesting cross-section at Bayview Bible Church. Now, let me be clear: this theological diversity does sometimes present some challenges, but it also pushes us into a position of learning to die on the right hills, take things in stride, major on the “majors,” and be constantly evaluating our own convictions with the Bible as our standard.
Also, even though there is a range of convictions and backgrounds among the members, this does not result in the elders teaching in a watered-down, mushy middle sort of way to keep everyone happy. The elders actually hold to a rather specific and historical confession of faith as our teaching position (the Second London Baptist Confession). We believe the position and responsibilities of the elders require a greater level of solidarity in doctrine and practice, so we seek to teach with conviction while striving to be charitable whenever possible.
The point is, if you fall into the broad categories of orthodox and Protestant, you are welcome to exist as a member in good standing here. You can also be assured that your elders work hard to understand the doctrinal guardrails mentioned above, and we are vigilant to keep the church safe from serious error and focused on the Word of God.
If you have more questions about this, please visit the “Our Beliefs” page on the website or come and talk to me. It is my joy to discuss these things!
Intentional Accountability
Members of the church enter into a relationship of greater accountability with their church body and leaders. Personally, I believe it’s an aversion to this very concept that drives many people away from membership. Accountability is not something the natural person desires. However, let me list a few items that are meant to be carried out within the church: Water baptism (Mat. 28:18-20). The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Formal church discipline (Mat. 18:15-19). Informal confrontation over sinful patterns (Gal. 6:1). Sitting under biblical preaching (2 Tim. 4:2). Corporate singing (Col. 3:16). Prayer (1 Tim. 2:1-3). Confessing sins (Jas. 5:16). These events/activities and more are commanded of the New Testament churches.
Let me ask an obvious question: what is the ideal relationship in which these things should be carried out? Would you eagerly participate in any or all of these with someone you don’t know or trust? Speaking pastorally, all of these items, especially those that are repeated in an ongoing way, require some level of being known and being accountable.
When we make ourselves known and trustworthy to the body, we are creating an environment where it is not just acceptable but expected to participate in these activities in integrity. When I see a fellow member not coming to the Lord’s Table, I should go to them in care and ask how I might pray for them. If another member sees a pattern of sin developing in my life, he should lovingly come to me to investigate. Again, with membership in place, these sorts of things aren’t just allowable, but expected.
Let me ask an obvious question: what is the ideal relationship in which these things should be carried out? Would you eagerly participate in any or all of these with someone you don’t know or trust? Speaking pastorally, all of these items, especially those that are repeated in an ongoing way, require some level of being known and being accountable.
When we make ourselves known and trustworthy to the body, we are creating an environment where it is not just acceptable but expected to participate in these activities in integrity. When I see a fellow member not coming to the Lord’s Table, I should go to them in care and ask how I might pray for them. If another member sees a pattern of sin developing in my life, he should lovingly come to me to investigate. Again, with membership in place, these sorts of things aren’t just allowable, but expected.
Corporate Ownership
Church membership is the difference between the following two statements (see if you can tell the difference). “This is where I go to church” vs. “These are my people.”
Church members become shareholders, in a sense, regarding the overall life and direction of the body. Members understand that the health of the entire organism matters, and they are ready to work for that health. I’ve heard it said before that the membership of a church is meant to function in a way that is similar to a body’s immune system. I think that’s right! The members are on the lookout for one another. Because of this, when something fishy is going on, the members should desire to know more, in case danger is at the door. If strange teaching starts coming from the pulpit or at a home group, it should be the members who start asking questions and pressing into the issue.
On the more positive side of things, it is the members who are most invested in the mission of the church. When we go through trials, we do so together. When we celebrate victory, we do so together. Again, for members, Bayview Bible Church is not just "where we go to church." These are our people. We are tied to them and they to us.
Along with members taking ownership is a healthy expectation that we demonstrate our ownership in tangible ways. According to our constitution, the membership has a role in the hiring or dismissal of church leaders, as well as general oversight of the church budget and use of finances. Members can also rally together when there is a serious item warranting a church meeting, which they could initiate (you should request a copy of the constitution, if you don't have one already). All these things I just mentioned are already in place. Moving forward, we are beginning quarterly membership meetings. We want an opportunity to speak to the members in a more pointed and personal way that wouldn't be wise or appropriate at a public worship service. We can also field questions, pray together, address any cultural or theological trends, and communicate issues pertaining to the life of the church.
Not every expression of membership takes place in a meeting, though. Many things are normal and routine for our members. Can I say something terribly simple? Members should come to church on Sundays (crazy concept, I know). In fact, if members disappear for more than a few weeks without anyone having any knowledge of their whereabouts, it is right for other members to check on them (Heb. 10:24-25).
Along the same lines, members ought to be fiscally investing in the church’s work and what God is doing through this particular local body. There seems to be no more sensitive topic than money among Christians (for some reason), but it needs to be said: giving generously to a local church is right and expected of Christians (2 Cor. 9:6-8).
Lastly, members should be eager to serve and participate wherever needed (Rom. 12:1). Early in our marriage, Jessica and I became members of a healthy church, and we told the leadership we were eager to serve. What I had in mind was the music team, so their response was a bit of a letdown. “Great! We really need teachers for the eight-year-old class.” Teaching that class was a hugely shaping time for me. Though it wasn’t what I would have chosen, it was what was needed in that season, and the Lord grew and sanctified me through the process of serving in a way I wouldn’t have chosen.
Church members become shareholders, in a sense, regarding the overall life and direction of the body. Members understand that the health of the entire organism matters, and they are ready to work for that health. I’ve heard it said before that the membership of a church is meant to function in a way that is similar to a body’s immune system. I think that’s right! The members are on the lookout for one another. Because of this, when something fishy is going on, the members should desire to know more, in case danger is at the door. If strange teaching starts coming from the pulpit or at a home group, it should be the members who start asking questions and pressing into the issue.
On the more positive side of things, it is the members who are most invested in the mission of the church. When we go through trials, we do so together. When we celebrate victory, we do so together. Again, for members, Bayview Bible Church is not just "where we go to church." These are our people. We are tied to them and they to us.
Along with members taking ownership is a healthy expectation that we demonstrate our ownership in tangible ways. According to our constitution, the membership has a role in the hiring or dismissal of church leaders, as well as general oversight of the church budget and use of finances. Members can also rally together when there is a serious item warranting a church meeting, which they could initiate (you should request a copy of the constitution, if you don't have one already). All these things I just mentioned are already in place. Moving forward, we are beginning quarterly membership meetings. We want an opportunity to speak to the members in a more pointed and personal way that wouldn't be wise or appropriate at a public worship service. We can also field questions, pray together, address any cultural or theological trends, and communicate issues pertaining to the life of the church.
Not every expression of membership takes place in a meeting, though. Many things are normal and routine for our members. Can I say something terribly simple? Members should come to church on Sundays (crazy concept, I know). In fact, if members disappear for more than a few weeks without anyone having any knowledge of their whereabouts, it is right for other members to check on them (Heb. 10:24-25).
Along the same lines, members ought to be fiscally investing in the church’s work and what God is doing through this particular local body. There seems to be no more sensitive topic than money among Christians (for some reason), but it needs to be said: giving generously to a local church is right and expected of Christians (2 Cor. 9:6-8).
Lastly, members should be eager to serve and participate wherever needed (Rom. 12:1). Early in our marriage, Jessica and I became members of a healthy church, and we told the leadership we were eager to serve. What I had in mind was the music team, so their response was a bit of a letdown. “Great! We really need teachers for the eight-year-old class.” Teaching that class was a hugely shaping time for me. Though it wasn’t what I would have chosen, it was what was needed in that season, and the Lord grew and sanctified me through the process of serving in a way I wouldn’t have chosen.
Conclusion
I want to be careful to not make these posts too long. There’s more to be said about membership, but I hope this has been helpful. I hope you see that biblical church membership is not a control mechanism conceived of by malicious elders in a dimly-lit dungeon somewhere, nor is it a meaningless tradition we embrace blindly. Membership matters. It’s good and right for the Christian and it strengthens the church. Healthy churches are made up of healthy members.
My offer that I made in the first post still stands. I’d love to meet with anyone who would like to talk about membership more. I recognize that many come from backgrounds where membership was either disparaged or not mentioned at all, and I understand that. Please be thinking about these things, and please reach out if I can be helpful in any way.
In the third and last post, I will be addressing common objections to biblical church membership. Be on the lookout for that!
Christ is King!
Joel
My offer that I made in the first post still stands. I’d love to meet with anyone who would like to talk about membership more. I recognize that many come from backgrounds where membership was either disparaged or not mentioned at all, and I understand that. Please be thinking about these things, and please reach out if I can be helpful in any way.
In the third and last post, I will be addressing common objections to biblical church membership. Be on the lookout for that!
Christ is King!
Joel
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