What Does Church Membership Signify?

Sign Language

  • Church membership signifies a church's corporate endorsement of a person's salvation. 
    • If we believe that only genuinely converted Christians are to be members of the local church, then it makes sense to take time to hear people's testimonies and listen for evidences of godly fruit and increasing holiness in their lives. 
    • When the church approaches membership in this way, membership can function as the church's corporate witness to the fact that the new member does indeed increasingly display the fruits and characteristics of a genuine Christian. 
  • Church membership signifies an individual commitment to grasp hold of one another in mutual love and discipleship. 
    • By identifying ourselves with a particular church, we let the pastors and other members of that local church know that we intend to be committed in attendance, giving, prayer, and service. 
    • We increase others' expectations of us in these areas, and we make it known that we are the responsibility of this local church.  We assure the church of our commitment to Christ in serving with them, and we call for their commitment to serve us in love and to encourage us in our discipleship.
    • In short, we enter a covenant relationship with that church and its leadership.