I am attending a denominational church at the present time.
The pastor is giving membership classes each Wed. evening.
I have never been a member of any church as I have not believed
that it is scriptual. Please give me some advice/scriptures so I
can know how the Lord views this.
thank you
church membership
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church membership
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
I would just say that we don't become members of a local group or organization, instead we become members of Jesus Christ. So we are brothers of all who believe. So we don't segregate into our own little clique and ignore the rest of the body.
It is fine to gather with the local Christians in your area and get to know them better than Christians farther away, just so we don't loose sight that in this age there are many denominations right across the street that we are tempted to see as people other than "our brothers"
It is fine to gather with the local Christians in your area and get to know them better than Christians farther away, just so we don't loose sight that in this age there are many denominations right across the street that we are tempted to see as people other than "our brothers"
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35)
I struggled with this as well but I decided to join my church so that I could become a functioning member within the local body in those areas of ministry where my talents lie. For example in my case, I am the webmaster for our church website. I have a talent in that area and it is a ministry I enjoy with a purpose I believe in.
Certainly there are personal ministries outside of the four walls of a church and we are all free to do those things, but when it comes to working in a specific ministry within the church of your choice, then we usually need to persuade the leaders of the church of our seriousness by joining. We have to decide am I only a sponge or also a giver within that paticular congregation.
Paul said "I have become all things to all men". Maybe this is out of context but I think it applies to my situation.
Certainly there are personal ministries outside of the four walls of a church and we are all free to do those things, but when it comes to working in a specific ministry within the church of your choice, then we usually need to persuade the leaders of the church of our seriousness by joining. We have to decide am I only a sponge or also a giver within that paticular congregation.
Paul said "I have become all things to all men". Maybe this is out of context but I think it applies to my situation.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
Re: church membership
i was wondering where it isnt scriptural? Does the Bible not address it or does it say somewhere that you shouldnt. i dont think its a big deal. i know in my church you cant be a deacon and some other things if your not a member. maybe its a way of the church wanting to find out a little more about you and if you would feel comfortable with what the church believes before becoming too active commitment wise. you dont need a bible verse or scripture to support this issue. just does this whole process make sense in what they are trying to accomplish. i would pick a more important mountain to die on. just become a member and forget about it. There are some who stand up and take the fire and those who run for cover. covers better.believer wrote:I am attending a denominational church at the present time.
The pastor is giving membership classes each Wed. evening.
I have never been a member of any church as I have not believed
that it is scriptual. Please give me some advice/scriptures so I
can know how the Lord views this.
thank you
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
It is hard to know what to say biblically about local church "membership," since the New Testament had no parallels to what we call a "local church" and there is no mention anywhere of "membership"—though we are all members of the universal body of Christ (but "members," in this context, means "body parts," not adherents to a society or club).
I would be reluctant to become a member of a particular church, if doing so meant I was not entitled to be a member of every other church at the same time. Individual congregations and denominations don't own anybody. Christ owns all. Joining a church can easily qualify for violation of Paul's rule that says we should not have some saying, "I am of Paul," and others, "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Apollos" (1 Cor.1:12-13). We must "all speak the same thing" (1 Cor.1:10), namely, "I am of Christ."
If "church membership" gives one small segment of the body of Christ exclusive claim to your loyalty, it is hard to see how this could fail to come under Paul's censure.
If I were asked to join a particular church that I attend regularly, I would have to ask the leaders if they object to my being simultaneously a member of other churches and of theirs as well. If they would approve of this, then I could, in good conscience, hold membership. However, I doubt that many church leaders would feel comfortable with such an arrangement.
I would be reluctant to become a member of a particular church, if doing so meant I was not entitled to be a member of every other church at the same time. Individual congregations and denominations don't own anybody. Christ owns all. Joining a church can easily qualify for violation of Paul's rule that says we should not have some saying, "I am of Paul," and others, "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Apollos" (1 Cor.1:12-13). We must "all speak the same thing" (1 Cor.1:10), namely, "I am of Christ."
If "church membership" gives one small segment of the body of Christ exclusive claim to your loyalty, it is hard to see how this could fail to come under Paul's censure.
If I were asked to join a particular church that I attend regularly, I would have to ask the leaders if they object to my being simultaneously a member of other churches and of theirs as well. If they would approve of this, then I could, in good conscience, hold membership. However, I doubt that many church leaders would feel comfortable with such an arrangement.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
In Jesus,
Steve
Steve
Steve,
As a Wesleyan minister, if I were pastoring a church and you asked that question I'd say 'absolutely'. In fact, I'd prefer 'members' to be involved with other local churches in the area!
That being said, I'd probably be at odds with my own denominational 'discipline/handbook'
As a Wesleyan minister, if I were pastoring a church and you asked that question I'd say 'absolutely'. In fact, I'd prefer 'members' to be involved with other local churches in the area!
That being said, I'd probably be at odds with my own denominational 'discipline/handbook'
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
Hemingway once said: 'The world is a fine place and worth fighting for'
I agree with the second part (se7en)
I agree with the second part (se7en)
The whole concept of "church membership" IMHO is something man made and has absolutely nothing to do with the reality of the body of Christ. We are all members of the body of Christ by virtue of being born anew into the Kingdom of God. If the apostles were alive on earth today they would be appalled at the condition and practices of todays "Christian Church".
I can't even imagine any of the apostles having a thought of becoming a member of "a" church.
Roger
I can't even imagine any of the apostles having a thought of becoming a member of "a" church.
Roger
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
There is a reason some sort of formal recognition of church membership is necessary in most congregations today; they usually own property. I heard of a church in California many years ago that lost their building to a cult that had infiltrated the congregation and took over the property. There was no proof of membership and when the cult had a majority they claimed ownership and succeeded. In this case the question might be whether congregation should have any assets, property or money?
Another question comes to mind. In Romans 11:15 Paul asks ...."and how shall the preach unless they are sent"? Sent here meaning authorized. What would constitute a body with authority to "send"? I would assume this authorizing would be in the form of laying on the hands as in the case of the church and Paul and Barnabas, Acts 13:3. If this is so, would it be "two or three gathered together in His name? By what criteria would we, (not the Lord) be able to recognize a sending body?
Where we attend, membership is simple: a confession of faith and baptism. Prior immersion is accepted. We do not make a big deal about it. Many have attended and participated happily for years without becoming "members".
Another question comes to mind. In Romans 11:15 Paul asks ...."and how shall the preach unless they are sent"? Sent here meaning authorized. What would constitute a body with authority to "send"? I would assume this authorizing would be in the form of laying on the hands as in the case of the church and Paul and Barnabas, Acts 13:3. If this is so, would it be "two or three gathered together in His name? By what criteria would we, (not the Lord) be able to recognize a sending body?
Where we attend, membership is simple: a confession of faith and baptism. Prior immersion is accepted. We do not make a big deal about it. Many have attended and participated happily for years without becoming "members".
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
A Berean
Same where I attendHomer wrote:Where we attend, membership is simple: a confession of faith and baptism. Prior immersion is accepted. We do not make a big deal about it. Many have attended and participated happily for years without becoming "members".
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
Hemingway once said: 'The world is a fine place and worth fighting for'
I agree with the second part (se7en)
I agree with the second part (se7en)
It almost sounds like some people here are afraid of being a church member. I guess I don't understand the fear, unless there is something in a person's past which has caused harm.
Become an active and involved member of your church. You're already attending there, take the next step: be obedient to the authority you are already sitting under.
You can always remove your membership if it ever became necessary, and that is quite simple with a single letter usually.
Become an active and involved member of your church. You're already attending there, take the next step: be obedient to the authority you are already sitting under.
You can always remove your membership if it ever became necessary, and that is quite simple with a single letter usually.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
Aole Opala No