Question 45 :: What is church membership?

Answer:

Church membership is the joining together of believers in unity, service and mutual edification under the headship of Christ and leadership of ministers, elders and deacons in a local church.

Children:

Membership is the joining together of believers in a local church.

1 Corinthians 12:4-8

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 

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Commentary:

Church membership is biblically deduced from New Testament scripture. It is the joining together of believers in local congregations. Membership is a formal relationship between the individual and a local church. This is a relationship of mutual responsibility and accountability. The member commits to that part of the body of Christ, and places himself/herself under that leadership. The leadership commits to shepherding that member. Members are required by scripture to submit to elders (Heb. 13:7), look after unity (Eph. 4:3), and serve fellow members (1 Pet. 4:10). Leadership is required to equip members for works of service, doctrinal unity, and spiritual maturity (Eph. 4:11-13).

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Further Study:

Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 12:1-18; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27; Ephesians 4:1-16; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Timothy 5:1-22; 1 Peter 4:1-11.