The local church is a group of believers in Jesus Christ who, perhaps loosely, meet in some particular location on a regular basis. The universal church is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ worldwide. Being a 'member' of the worldwide church is actually being a member of the family of God. 1 Corinthians 12:27 tells us that 'All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it.' I believe this is to be worked out through many local churches. Why? 1. The New Testament churches were organised locally. They lived their lives together. Paul's letters were to local churches and the churches in Revelation are local. Although their is no Scriptural command to be a 'member' of a local church I believe that membership is Biblically modelled. Paul writes 'to the church at', not 'to the church and other believers'. Paul seemed to be assuming that believers would be knitted in to their local church. Also, God gives us gifts to be used in the local church. 2. All Churches should be of Word and Spirit, but we identify and get called to a specific Church (the specific church may change over time). We join in with the vision from the Eldership and leadership. We give and tithe to a local church: we give our money, time and energies, and also use our Spiritual gifts mentioned in point 1. 3. It helps Elders to know who they are shepherding. Look at 1 Peter 5:2: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." How can an Elder know who to shepherd if people come and go to different churches as they please? 4. Christians are called to 'make disciples' (Matthew 28). Surely the best way for discipling is through the local church: a new baby Christian living with more mature family members.
Is 'membership' a big deal? Well, I think it is! To be saved and added to God's family is the biggest deal in any human being's life. I love the local Church and, much more importantly, the Bible seems to recommend it also. I think it is great to celebrate when someone is saved and added to a local church. If someone wants a more low-key joining, that is fine also. Does membership have to be written down and recorded? It may well not have been in the New Testament churches, but for Eldership shepherding, and general discipleship-making by the whole body of the church, I think this helps.
The local church is a group of believers in Jesus Christ who, perhaps loosely, meet in some particular location on a regular basis. The universal church is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ worldwide.
ReplyDeleteBeing a 'member' of the worldwide church is actually being a member of the family of God. 1 Corinthians 12:27 tells us that 'All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it.' I believe this is to be worked out through many local churches. Why?
1. The New Testament churches were organised locally. They lived their lives together. Paul's letters were to local churches and the churches in Revelation are local. Although their is no Scriptural command to be a 'member' of a local church I believe that membership is Biblically modelled. Paul writes 'to the church at', not 'to the church and other believers'. Paul seemed to be assuming that believers would be knitted in to their local church. Also, God gives us gifts to be used in the local church.
2. All Churches should be of Word and Spirit, but we identify and get called to a specific Church (the specific church may change over time). We join in with the vision from the Eldership and leadership. We give and tithe to a local church: we give our money, time and energies, and also use our Spiritual gifts mentioned in point 1.
3. It helps Elders to know who they are shepherding. Look at 1 Peter 5:2: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."
How can an Elder know who to shepherd if people come and go to different churches as they please?
4. Christians are called to 'make disciples' (Matthew 28). Surely the best way for discipling is through the local church: a new baby Christian living with more mature family members.
Is 'membership' a big deal? Well, I think it is! To be saved and added to God's family is the biggest deal in any human being's life. I love the local Church and, much more importantly, the Bible seems to recommend it also. I think it is great to celebrate when someone is saved and added to a local church. If someone wants a more low-key joining, that is fine also.
Does membership have to be written down and recorded? It may well not have been in the New Testament churches, but for Eldership shepherding, and general discipleship-making by the whole body of the church, I think this helps.