Do you think you should be a member of your church?

[jeffnevins]

I haven't been a member of either my previous or current church (over three years), and was curious about views on membership.

Didn't know how to become a member for a while, but now that I know, it is four meetings this month to do it.

Not sure if I can make all four- And currently not bringing in an income to give big offerings.

Thanks-

[OneLight]

Once you accept Christ, you are already a member of every true church. Many church memberships come attached with the denominational doctrine you have to agree with. If you are following Christ, you are doing His will in every area, as your faith grows in Him. I have never seen the reason to sign a piece of paper when we, those who truly accept salvation in Christ, are all His body.

[Bible_Gazer]

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching

Heb 10:24-25

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Eph 4:15-16

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Eph 2:19-22

1Cor. 12 talks about being part of the Body and not to be separate.

Yes I think we need to be part of a church group.

I would not join a church if they vote you in . That ain't right.

If Jesus except you in his church that is all required, we are sealed by him.

Edited September 7, 2012 by Bible_Gazer

[BFP]

You can obviously be a very active part of a church family without having to sign a membership. Some people feel the need to be a 'member' of things...some don't. My father is a preacher...(not a pastor) and never felt the need to hold 'membership status' with his church, but has been attending the same church all my life. He has a commitment to doing what the Lord will have him do. He preaches at different churches, but has never been convicted to acquire membership to any. I would say pray about it. The Lord will make it clear to you whether you should or not

[Fez]

I haven't been a member of either my previous or current church (over three years), and was curious about views on membership.

Didn't know how to become a member for a while, but now that I know, it is four meetings this month to do it.

Not sure if I can make all four- And currently not bringing in an income to give big offerings.

Thanks-

I don't really understand? I have never attended a church where I had to sign on as a member? And to say one has to attend a number of meetings per month to do it? And not being able to give big, or any offerings? None of that as one iota of scripture to back it in any way shape or form.

Are you sure you never walked into a country club by accident Jeff?

You are the church Jeff, where you meet, if you meet (you should), does not come down to signing a register, or forcing yourself to attend a number of meetings. Hey, I am on my church leadership team and there are days when I say to the wife "I just don't feel like going to church today", and feel no remorse about it.

We serve a bigger God than that.

Blessings

[MorningGlory]

It's a matter of personal conviction; the way I see it, I AM the church (as all of you are) and I don't feel the need to be a member of any particular church group.

[jeffnevins]

Thanks for the input- much appreciated.

God bless.

[B3L13v3R]

As stated by many, "membership" is not a requirement to be "in the Church."

We are "in" the Church by repenting and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. NOTHING more is required of us by our Lord in His Word.

Some years back, I taught children’s Bible study while the regular adult church service was going on.

The preacher of this church invited me over one evening wanting to "discuss some matters."

When I arrived at his residence, he had a contract drawn up that required my signature "to continue any longer in functions of "his church."

I look back on this and chuckle, it was kind of like a car deal of sorts being we sat across the table from one another. The pastor slid the "church membership contract" across the table towards me. I read it, slid it back to the pastor, and let him know I had no need to sign such a contract as mine was already symbolically signed with the blood of Jesus Christ. It was my repenting of my sins and believing in Jesus Christ and Him alone that had me in His Church.

I did take the above opportunity to let him know his child was the worst rowdy in the children’s Bible study. Asking him to address the situation when he had a chance.

An informal “shunning” took place after this as a result of my not signing the “join our church” document.

Suffice to say, I did not remain much longer in this instance.

We can, and are admonished to humbly submit to one another in Christ. That submission comes with the Word rightly divided on what we are submitting to. The "join our church by your signature" is found NOWHERE in the Word of God.

When folks sign these church agreements with "man" this is a binding document of sorts that goes with it, much like any signed contract. And because it is outside of God's Word, it can oftentimes be detrimental to all involved.

Fez, there are a lot of those "country clubs" sadly in America that require such signatures to be a part of church. I have turned down a number over the years.

OneLight, I am right there with ya:

Quote OneLight: "Once you accept Christ, you are already a member of every true church. Many church memberships come attached with the denominational doctrine you have to agree with. If you are following Christ, you are doing His will in every area, as your faith grows in Him. I have never seen the reason to sign a piece of paper when we, those who truly accept salvation in Christ, are all His body."

[j102]

i dont necessarily agree with signing a paper to be an official member of a church and if some churches require it i would avoid them- signing a paper to be a member of a church is kinda like signing a spiritual contract in my opinon

[bornagain2011]

I have a church that I go to sometimes. I like the bible study part, but I like to do my worshipping to God in private. It feels wierd to do it with a crowd of people.

This Sunday I am getting baptized in my church .