From the Minister

These are exciting times at church. Over the past few months, we have welcomed several new people into our fellowship, and on Sunday 14th June we will witness a believer’s baptism during our morning service. We are also be receiving two people into full church membership.

This naturally raises the question: what is church membership, and what is the point of it?

Let’s be clear — membership of a church has never saved anyone, nor will it ever get anyone into heaven. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. However, that does not mean commitment to a local church is unimportant. In fact, I firmly believe that every Christian should belong to a local church fellowship.

Yet I still hear people say things such as, “We’re not really joiners,” or, “I’m happy just coming along.”

It is true that the Bible does not specifically command believers to “join” a church, because every Christian is already a member of the Church — the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22–23). Nevertheless, Scripture repeatedly encourages believers to be actively involved in a local fellowship of God’s people. This includes identifying with Christ and His people through baptism and the Lord’s Supper, exercising spiritual gifts, studying God’s Word, praying together, sharing fellowship, and being accountable to one another.

Each local church is, in a sense, the body of Christ in miniature. The church is therefore far more than an organisation; it is a living organism through which Christ is made visible to the world (see 1 Cor. 12:12–31).

Commitment to, and active participation in, a local church is thoroughly biblical. To become a church member is to make a formal commitment to a recognisable local body of believers who have joined together for God-given purposes. These purposes include receiving instruction from God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 3:16–17), encouraging one another in the faith, and working together in the service of Christ.

Church membership also means becoming an active participant in the vital task of sustaining the congregation and passing on the faith to future generations. In Baptist churches, it also means taking a responsible part in the life and government of the church, since members share in the process of prayerfully making decisions together.

Christ willingly identified Himself with us by bearing our sin in His own body on the cross. Should we not then be willing to identify ourselves with Him by committing to a local fellowship of His people?

So, if you have not yet become a church member, perhaps it is time to consider it seriously. And if you are already a member, are you truly playing your part?

            The church, a living body, containing all the parts‑
            It lives, it moves, it functions, and touches many hearts;
            When each part is committed to do the Savior's Will,
            His members are united, His purpose they fulfill. - Fitzhugh

Rev Rick