Membership

Last Friday we looked at another “M” word – Migration. In that study we examined the phenomenon of the “Migrating Christian“, the brother or sister that seems to rotate amongst congregations in the same area, often for the wrong reasons and rarely investing themselves in the local work. This week, let us consider the “Visiting Member“.

The new gospel preacher had arrived in town about 4 months ago. During that time he had used his time wisely, preaching faithful sermons, visiting the membership, tackling projects from the elders, partnering with the deacons, and reaching out to the lost with home Bible studies and community efforts. It has been a busy start to what promised to be a wonderful work with his new congregation. In fact, he thought he had come to know the membership quite well already, and was certain they felt the same.

One Sunday following the morning sermon, at his usual post near the door greeting the exiting worshipers, he noticed a family which he didn’t recognize. Welcoming the father with a warm smile and firm handshake he said “I’m glad you were able to visit with us. Won’t you come again?”

To his suprise the stranger replied “Why preacher, you must be new here. I’m a member of this congregation. Check my name, you will find it on the roll.”

The new preacher replied “I’m very sorry that we have not met. I’ve been here for some time. Perhaps you have been away from town? I hope there has been no illness in your family?”

The reply is one which the man of God had often heard before.

“No, we tend to come on Easter, and Christmas, and other occasions as we are able to. You understand, we are quite busy. But rest assured, I’m a member.”

Membership in the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23) is too often taken for granted, too often confused with membership in earthly organizations, and too often assumed to be a permanent priveledge. How does one become a member? And having done so, what are the responsibilities accompanying membership?

The student of the Bible can readily understand that the Lord’s church is not “joined” as with an earthly club, or man made denomination. One is not ordained a member, or voted in by the existing membership. One does not apply for membership, pending consideration of elected officials. One is not baptized to gain membership as with many man made denominations.

The inspired New Testament records that having heard the Gospel (Romans 10:17), believers (John 3:16) recognize their sin (1 John 3:4), repent – or turn away from sin (Luke 13:3), confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37), and are immersed – or baptized – for the remission of sin (Acts 2:37-38). Upon obedience to the Gospel, one is then added to the church (Acts 2:41,47).

We understand therefore, that the church of Christ can never be joined. Rather, the obedient heed the gospel call (2 Thessalonians 2:14) and are added.

Having been added to the membership of the body (1 Corinthians 12:27) what must I now do? As we recognize membership is a gift, we see serving Him that gave us His name (Acts 11:26) to be a great priviledge. Being allowed to serve as an heir of God (Romans 8:17 ; Galatians 3:29) is the great joy of earthly life, and a significant component of the faithful Christian life (Revelation 2:10).

Now what about the “visiting member”? With our clarification of membership fresh in mind, we see that this is an impossible definition. The hand at the end of the arm is a member of the body. Do our hands “visit” the body on occasion? Of course not. Paul’s 1 Corinthians 12 is a wonderful study on the subject of membership. Occasional visits equates wilfully forsaking the assembly. Such is not only sinful (Hebrews 10:25), but contrary to any definition of membership.

In Matthew chapter 25 we have Lord’s wonderful description of the separation of sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-33). Reading that chapter, one can well imagine the scene, and response that some will sadly offer upon that occasion:

“But Lord, I’m a member of your church. My name is on the roll.”

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Filed under: Authors, Gregg Alexander on November 21st, 2008