"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
- Hebrews 10:23-25
“A formal relationship between a church and a Christian characterized by the church’s affirmation and oversight of a Christian’s discipleship and the Christian’s submission to living out his or her discipleship in the care of the church.” (Leeman, Church Membership, 64)
“To become a member of a church is to formally commit oneself to an identifiable local body of believers who have joined together for specific, divinely ordained purposes” (MacArthur and Mayhue, Biblical Doctrine, 797).
Why Is Church Membership Beneficial?
Increased Commitment
Many Christians float from one church to another. Membership causes them to commit to one local body investing their time and resources there.
Greater Involvement
When a believer is merely an attendee, there’s little expectation. He can come and go at will. When a believer becomes a member there’s an expectation of regular attendance, involvement, and fruitful ministry within the body.
Loving Accountability
Being a part of the church means that you have brothers and sisters in Christ who can help you fight off sin and hold you accountable for holiness.
Mutual Edification
Each believer is given spiritual gifts for the “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7) and for the “equipping of the saints” (Eph. 4:12).
Exemplary Leadership
God has given us spiritual leaders to guide our lives. These leaders correct us when we are in sin and encourage us to love God more.
Theological Guardrails
If you are a sheep straying from the flock, the wolves will target you. You make yourself easy prey for false teachers because you are not connected with leaders and other Christians who can help you discern what is true.
Biblical Preaching
The Word of God sanctifies (John 17:17). Putting yourself under the preaching of God’s Word will expose your sin and instruct you on how to grow in Christ-likeness.
Regular Discipleship
Life-on-life discipleship takes time and intentionality. It thrives when both parties are committed to meet regularly and to be open and honest with each other.
Corporate Worship
We were made to worship God. While all of life should be an act of worship (Rom. 12:1-2), God places a special emphasis on the importance of the regular gathering of His people where we join our voices in singing together (Col. 3:16).
Consistent Giving
Staying at one local church gives you the unique opportunity to witness the specific ways God uses the church’s offerings to further the ministry.