THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP:
The universal Church – the body of Christ (Romans 12:5) – is composed of all true believers in Christ. However, it is also important to commit to a local church where we can give of our resources, serve others, be accountable to each other, and grow closer in our walk with Christ. The Bible does not directly address the concept of formal church membership, but there are several passages that strongly imply its existence in the early church. Acts 2:47 - “And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved.” This verse indicates that salvation was a prerequisite for being “added” to the church.
Although there is no scriptural mandate for official church membership, there is certainly nothing to prohibit it, and it seems the early church was structured in such a way that people clearly knew if someone was “in” or “out” of the church. Church membership is a way of identifying oneself with a local body of believers and of making oneself accountable to proper spiritual leadership.
Church membership is also valuable for organizational purposes. It’s a good way of determining who is allowed to vote on important church decisions and who is eligible for official church positions. Church membership is not required of Christians. It is simply a way of saying, “I am a Christian, and I believe this church is a good church.”
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP CLASS:
Our membership class is designed to introduce you to our church family and share with you what we believe, teach, and practice as you prayerfully consider church membership. The class will last for 4 weeks, and after going through all 4 sessions and sharing your own salvation story with others present, the Board of Elders will review the list of candidates. After they unanimously approve, you will be welcomed into membership in front of the congregation during the next Induction Sunday. We pray that the Lord will use this class to lead you in your decision concerning church membership here at the Community Chapel of Hesston.