Introduction
You've heard the story a thousand times - or maybe you've lived it. A couple begins
attending a local church. They enjoy the music, and like the sermons just
fine. After about a year or so the pastor, or perhaps an elder, approaches
them about formalizing their affiliation with the church in membership. But
they either politely decline or become squeamishly uncomfortable, or maybe
even take offense. The pastor trots out a few of the attractive new programs
in which they could be involved, and mentions a few of the tantalizing youth activities that might make them reconsider their place on the fence. But to no avail. A month later they leave, in search of a more comfortable anonymity.
So why does this happen? Why is it that so many people lack the desire to become members of the local churches they're already attending? Or perhaps even more disturbing, you know of churches with membership rolls that far outstrip attendance numbers. Why is it that so many of those who are already members fail to take their involvement seriously? No doubt, part of the reason for a lack of interest in church membership and its entailments is that the commitment-phobia of our culture - always waiting for a better deal to come along - coupled with the consumerism of our times that shops around to get the most for the least - has radically affected the way many people think about their church involvement. But some of the blame must surely be laid at the door of local churches whose teaching on the biblical reasons, benefits, and entailments of local church membership has been ambiguous at best. Many pastors have been taught to treat people like consumers, and so they rig up various props and programs designed to entice and attract. Indeed, in many churches there is little discussion at all regarding the biblical moorings and obligations of local church membership. Not surprisingly, when many regular attenders look at the lives of church members, they don't see anything very different. The members may have gone through an initial class and may attend pretty faithfully. But non-members can attend just as often, and are usually served in many of the same ways.
So what distinguishes a member from a regular attender - a vote at the annual business meeting? Is there clear biblical reason for emphasizing membership in the local church? Why is it better to be a member than simply a regular attender, especially if membership entails further obligation? What does it mean to be a member of your church? What is it that potential members are asked to commit themselves to? How are members asked to live out that commitment in practical ways?
