I am a church member

This week our church will begin reading "I am a church member" by Dr. Thom Rainer. For the next 3 weeks I am asking members to read 2 chapters a week and to prayerfully commit to the pledges at the end of each chapter. I have read the book and it is a great resource for all pastors and church members. It is short, precise, and a good ole punch in the gut!

Many in and outside the church struggle with the purpose and meaning of church membership. Why does it matter?
Hebrews 10:24-25 says
"24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Membership matters because all through out the New Testament the church is illustrated as being a body or a building. Something that is made up of diverse parts. Never does the New Testament indicate that someone can have a Lone Ranger or non-committed type of attitude when following Jesus. Being apart of a church is joining with other believers and being part of the body. Actively.

Church membership is also important because one day we will stand before Jesus and be judged. We need to encourage one another to stop sinning and to grow in grace and holiness as we patiently wait for our Lords return.

If you are never in church or around Christians who can keep you accountable then you probably aren't worrying about how you are living. The author of Hebrews warns us not to neglect meeting because Jesus will return. Our view of Church Membership needs to be elevated....we need to grow up.