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Why Church Membership?
If you are a Christian, you probably know you should go to church. After all, the first Christians were devoted to getting together (Acts 2:42), and the book of Hebrews actually tells us plainly that we are not to be “neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25).
We are supposed to go to church, but join one... where is that in the Bible?
Well, the honest answer is that church membership is nowhere commanded, but everywhere implied. In fact, there are several New Testament commands that can’t be obeyed unless you join a church.
What happens if you are a Christian, but don't join a local church?
A few admonishments:
Lack of obedience
The New Testament letter to the Hebrews says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Heb 13:17). If you don’t join a church, how do you know who your leaders are? Are they the leaders of the churches nearest to your house? Are they the leaders of the last church you attended? Apparently, Jesus thinks you should obey a group of leaders and you are supposed to know who they are. Do you?
Not only that, but apparently a group of leaders is supposed to be watching over your soul. A particular group of leaders is supposed to be getting great joy from your life? Which leaders are those? You might watch a TV preacher but he cannot faithfully “watch over” you. The Bible wants you to be in a relationship with one local church where you know the leaders and the leaders can know you. That can’t happen unless you commit to a local church.
Lack of love and joy
The Christian life is not a life of mere acquaintances—it is a life of living like a family in the context of a local church. The Christian life is a life of joyful love. It is a life of learning to walk like Jesus in, “all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2–3).
Who have you agreed to bear with, even when they are struggling with sin? Who has agreed to bear with you in all of your struggles? If you can’t answer that, you need to join a church.
Lack of accountability
Now you might be thinking, "Who wants to be held accountable by a congregation?" Well you should, because that is what Jesus desires for you. In Matthew 18, Jesus gives us a look at what church life should look like, and one of the things he shows us is that it is characterized by loving accountability. He tells us that when someone sins against us, we should confront them in love. When they keep sinning, we should keep pursuing. And when they refuse to listen, he says, “tell it to the church” (Matt. 18:17).
In our individualistic age, that may initially sound terrible. However, when you have come to see how prone you are to wander from Jesus, it is a wonderful gift to have a church that would lovingly come after you. If you ever wandered from the Lord, which church would care for your soul? If you ever had to pursue another Christian, which church would you eventually tell? If you can’t answer these questions, you need to join a church.
Who can become a member?
Anyone can!
After all, God is calling and saving people from all cultures! Following him, we invite all people to join this church who shares a common life, a common doctrine, and a common commitment.
What does that mean?
It means that all the members of Morningside have experienced new life in Christ. We have seen that without him, we are sinners, and with him, we are forgiven sinners who have been given new hearts to love him.
It also means that all of our members have a common doctrine. We can’t all express it perfectly, but we share a common faith based on the Bible. You can learn more about what we believe by reviewing our Doctrinal Statement. Finally, we all have a common commitment. We are committed to obeying Jesus through the life of this local church as his obedient disciples.
Does that describe you?
If so, we would love to have you join us!
