THIS still matters.
Dear church,
In an era where commitment is often undervalued, church membership can seem like an outdated concept. I often run into many folks who simply don’t think church membership matters. Many people attend church regularly, participate in worship, and even give generously—but hesitate when it comes to officially becoming a member. They attend a church for a few months and then start attending a different church. After all, if they’re already attending and involved, why does membership matter?
The truth is, church membership is more than just signing your name on a list. It’s a biblical, communal, and deeply personal commitment that reflects our relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
There are Biblical Foundations for Church Membership.
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly use the term ‘church membership,’ the concept is woven throughout Scripture. The early church was not a loose gathering of believers who occasionally met; it was an organized body, with structure, leadership, and accountability. Paul often wrote to specific churches, addressing them as distinct groups (Romans 16:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:2). As you read the New Testament, we see followers of Jesus Christ devoting themselves to teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread together. They weren’t just attendees; they belonged to a community.
Acts 2:42-47 NLT
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to “not give up meeting together,” but to encourage and spur one another on in faith. Membership becomes a tangible way to live out that calling, placing ourselves in a position of spiritual accountability and growth.
Church Membership Is a Commitment to Spiritual Growth.
When you become a member of a local church, you’re making a commitment—not just to God, but to His people. Membership signifies that you’re not just a spectator but an invested participant in the life of the church. It also places you under the loving care and shepherding of church leadership (Hebrews 13:17). In a culture that often resists accountability, church membership provides a healthy structure for encouragement, correction, and discipleship. It ensures that believers are walking together in truth, love, and grace.
The Church Gives You a Place to Serve and Use Your Gifts.
1 Corinthians 12 describes the church as the body of Christ, with each member playing a crucial role. Attending church is not enough. It’s definitely a great starting point! Yet, if we only attend without committing, we miss the opportunity to fully engage in the work God is doing through the church. Membership is a way of saying, “I am here to serve.” It’s a declaration that you are not just receiving but also contributing, using your God-given gifts to build up the body of Christ.
Church Membership Declares Who We Belong To.
In John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Membership is a public declaration that we belong to Christ and to one another. In a world that is often fragmented and individualistic, a church that is united in mission, love, and purpose stands as a powerful witness to the Gospel. When we commit to membership, we show the world that the Church isn’t just an event—it’s a family.
Church Membership Matters Because the Church Matters.
Ultimately, church membership isn’t about rules or regulations—it’s about love, commitment, and faithfulness. Just as a marriage covenant is more than a piece of paper, church membership is more than a formality. It is a declaration of belonging, a step of obedience, and an investment in the Kingdom of God.
First Christian Church is a church family committed to loving God & loving others through authentic faith, healthy relationships, and giving every person the opportunity to meet Jesus.
To be a member of our church family someone needs to have displayed the ABCs:
· they have ACCEPTED Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior,
· been BAPTIZED to identify with Jesus Christ and his followers,
· and who has COMMTTED to being a part of this church family.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV
If you’ve been attending a church but have never taken the step of membership, consider what it might mean for your faith, your growth, and your community. The church isn’t perfect, but it is God’s plan for His people—and membership is one way we affirm our place in His family. If you have questions about church membership at First Christian Church reach out to us by:
· filling out a NEXT STEP card on Sunday morning,
· email us at roseburgfcc@gmail.com or,
· text the words ‘CHURCH MEMBERSHIP’ to 541-530-4912.
Blessings,
Pastor Daniel
