Contents
What is Membership?
One of the most misunderstood aspects of church life is the idea of membership. In the simplest terms, membership is about being an active part of a local church.
Becoming a member of a church is not like joining a sports team, club, or gym. In most social organizations, the would-be member signs up, pays their fee, and participates only as much as they want to; and when they grow too tired or busy, they terminate their membership and move on. Sadly, many today treat church membership the same way—volunteer and transactional.
Church membership is more than simply participating in a volunteer organization. Instead, membership is about belonging to a family—the family of God (Rom. 8:16; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15).
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ creates and builds His “church” (Matt. 16:18), the assembly of redeemed Christian believers. And the sum total of all believers is referred to as Christ’s “body” (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:4, 12–16; 5:23; Col. 1:18).
How do we become “members” of His body?
When a person is born again (John 3:3) through faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross [i.e. believing the message of the gospel], the Lord Himself adds them to His body. We read, “But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired” (1 Cor. 12:18). Essentially, God creates members; the church does not create its own members.
Every Christian who has ever believed the gospel—past, present, and future—makes up the universal church, “the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:17). The members of churches in specific geographical locations are considered part of the local church.
However, God intends His people to engage in life together as a Christian community (also called “fellowship”). It is impossible to do this with every Christian believer in the world, but in local church assemblies, Christians are able to participate in regular fellowship and obey the command of Jesus to “love one another” (John 13:34) in a real and practical way.
This is why we believe in and practice regenerate church membership. Members who join the church must give testimony and evidence that they are “regenerate,” or “born again,” in Christ.
Summary: When you become a Christian, God places you spiritually within the body of Christ. However, Christians are best able to engage in fellowship with other believers through the active participation in a local church assembly.
Is Membership Biblical?
There is no verse in the Bible that commands Christians to become members of a local church, but the concept is certainly not absent from the Scriptures. In the New Testament, church membership is assumed. Particularly in the Book of Acts and the epistles, Christian believers are identified by the church in their designated city (e.g., Jerusalem, Antioch, Philippi, Ephesus, etc.). Even in the earliest appearance of the church, believers were “gathered together” and “devoted” to one another and to their leaders (Acts 2:42–47).
Furthermore, we see widows in the church being accounted for on “lists” (1 Tim. 5:9, 11) to be cared for. While this is not the same thing as a membership roster, it demonstrates to us that early church leaders had a working system of keeping track of the shepherding needs of the body.
In Hebrews 13:17, believers are commanded: “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” This command is impossible to obey on both ends—church leaders and believers—without meaningful church membership. Christians must be submitted for the sake of spiritual oversight and church leaders must know who is specifically in their charge in order to be able to “give an account” for their ministry responsibilities.
How Do I Become a Member?
Every church approaches membership in its own way. At HBC, we follow this process:
- Every potential member is required to attend the “Foundations” membership class series. These classes, taught by the elders, explain the basics of the gospel and testimony, the doctrine of the Bible, and the church and its mission.
- Once the member candidate completes the Foundations series, the elders meet with them privately to hear their testimony and get to know them. In this meeting, the elders are looking to discern:
(a) a credible profession of saving faith in Jesus Christ(b) a sound understanding of the gospel(c) a sincere interest in becoming part of the church
- If there are no disqualifying concerns, the elders then recommend the candidate to the existing HBC membership for approval. This usually takes place in the form of an email.
- After approximately two weeks, if there are no concerns raised by the members, the elders perceive the silence as a vote of affirmation, and the candidates are officially and publicly welcomed into the church membership.
Responsibilities of Our Members
As “members” of the body of Christ, the Bible teaches that Christians have certain responsibilities both to God and to one another. These responsibilities are centered around Jesus’ greatest commandments—that we are to love God and to love one another (Matt. 22:37–40; John 13:34–35). The following responsibilities are just some of the primary ways we obey the Lord’s commands for His church.
Regular Attendance
If the church is the assembly of God’s people, then it follows that His people must assemble. We are called to gather together regularly so that we may worship the Lord, hear from His word, sing praises to Him, encourage one another, and maintain vibrant fellowship. In keeping with these practices, members should make it a habit to attend worship services and church events on a regular basis.
We read in Hebrews 10:24–25, encourage the body to “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.” This verse does not teach that Christians are required to attend every church event regardless of extenuating situations. Rather, the sense is that Christians ought to engage in the regular gathered assembly, and not make it their practice to neglect or forsake this responsibility.
In the same way that physical members of a human body cannot survive on their own if they are cut off from the natural body, so spiritual members of Christ’s body will not grow or thrive if they are cut off from His church. Furthermore, we cannot “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3) if we are not all together regularly. As we live in the fallen world, we need Christian community—we need one another.
Fellowship
One key element of church life is spending time with other believers in fellowship. The first corporate church gathering in the New Testament took place in Acts 2:42–47. While this first account does not serve as a formula for church fellowship, it does showcase various principles that will undoubtedly be present in every Christian gathering.
At the core of this gathering is “fellowship” (koinōnia in Greek), which can be thought of as “a common life together.” Literally, the word means “what is held in common”. It “denotes ‘participation,’ ‘fellowship,’ especially with a close bond. While this may be referring to material blessings, we need to see that this sharing was clearly a practical expression of the new relationship experienced together through a common faith in Christ.
This is more than Sunday morning lobby talk over coffee; there is a spiritual bond that permeates every selfless action. When believers talk to one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, serve one another, admonish one another, teach one another, and bear with one another, they are engaging in healthy Christian fellowship.
Serving
One tangible way for believers to express love for one another and engage in meaningful fellowship is through acts of service. We are exhorted, “through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13). As the Lord has given us spiritual gifts, we are to “employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet. 4:10). We have received gifts from the Lord for the purpose of serving the church. Serving others binds our hearts together in love and demonstrates obedience to the Lord, as He models true service (Mark 10:45; John 13:3–15).
Beyond joyfully serving others individually, members ought to look for ways to serve the ministries of the church. The only way our HBC ministries function is through the selfless service of the membership. While some ministries need only minimal or temporary service (e.g. specific events, seasonal needs, church workdays, etc.), many other ministries require dedicated participation in order to meet our needs (e.g. junior church, nursery, music, small groups, youth group, deacons, hospitality, missions, etc.). When needs are met by only a few dedicated servants, the workload is very heavy. But if all of our members are working together to shoulder the load, it becomes easier and lighter.
Giving
Everything we have belongs to the Lord, as He is the ultimate Giver of all good things (Jas. 1:17). This includes our money and resources. It is the will of God that Christians ought to be responsible for supporting Christian ministry through their financial giving. At HBC, our ministry is sustained by the faithful giving of our members. When we consider the Lord’s instructions about giving, we ought to consider a few things.
Christians should give regularly. It was the practice of the early church that “on the first day of every week [they were to] put aside and save, as he may prosper,” in order to give to the ministry of the Lord (1 Cor. 16:2). While spontaneous gifts can be a tremendous blessing to any person or ministry, it is the normal, consistent pledge to give that sustains our financial needs.
Christians should give generously. The New Testament does not designate a specific amount that God desires His people to give to ministry. We have, instead, the mandate to be generous. After all, if we have received abundant grace from the Lord, we ought to likewise be generous in giving to His ministry. Several examples of generosity are displayed in Scripture (e.g. 2 Cor. 8–9), built on the principle that “he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). Christians ought to consider what the Lord would have them give and commit to consistently, generously offering it to the work of the Lord.
Christians should give cheerfully. Scripture exhorts, “Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Believers who give pridefully or compulsively will not receive the joyful blessing of the obedience. But those who are faithful in giving will be rewarded by the Lord.
Praying
One vital aspect of church membership is prayer. As Christians, we are exhorted to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). But this discipline becomes all the more important within the context of the local church. Here are a few areas in need of faithful prayer:
-
-
- First, for church leaders (Heb. 13:17–18).
- Second, for the needs of other members (Col. 1:9; Jas. 5:13–14, 16).
- Third, for unbelievers (Matt. 5:44).
- Fourth, for the mission of the gospel locally and globally (Eph. 6:18; 2 Thess. 3:1).
- Fifth, for governing authorities (1 Tim. 2:1–3).
-
Growing Spiritually
Christians are called to grow spiritually, which means increasing in godly thoughts and actions, and decreasing in sinful behaviors. The Bible teaches that the church was chosen by God in Christ to “be holy and blameless before Him” (Eph. 1:4; 5:27). In fact, the ultimate end of this calling is unto Christlikeness. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he points to the maturity and unity of the body as a result of fruitful ministry (Eph. 4:12–16). In another place, Paul wrote, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thes. 4:3). While it must be said that effective evangelism and ministry can be accomplished by those with unsanctified, selfish motives (Phil. 1:15–18), it is not ultimately preferable. God’s desire is for His people to be set apart and holy (Lev. 11:44, 19:2, 20:7; Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:16). The members of HBC must represent both the Lord Jesus Christ and the church. Our witness matters. Furthermore, it is imperative that we grow spiritually.
Discipleship
As we consider what it takes to grow spiritually, we ought to be eager to ask for help and to help others as well. Before He ascended, the Lord Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). A disciple is a student; one who learns God’s truths. While Scripture doesn’t give a prescribed method or an official curriculum, we do have the basic parameters given to us by the Lord Himself—to be “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20).
Discipleship includes both teaching and learning, but it should not stop at the head, rather, it is to be done with a view to obedience. The Lord’s command to “teach… them to obey” contains the imperative of application. What we learn about Jesus must directly inform how we live for Jesus. After all, we are exhorted to “prove [ourselves to be] doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (Jas. 1:22). Hearing and learning must always be with a view to doing.
Every church member ought to consider how they are able to come alongside other believers for the purpose of helping them grow in godliness, as well as being helped by them. Titus 2:2–8 gives us a model of older men discipling younger men and older women teaching younger women. This may also come in the form of Bible studies, small groups, individual meetings, or counseling engagements.
Evangelism
Christian believers are called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. The word “gospel” (euangelion) means “good news”—specifically the good news of the finished, saving work of Jesus Christ. Further, to “evangelize” (euangelizo) is to proclaim that good news to others.
We recognize that there is a difference between sharing the gospel and sharing your testimony. While sharing the gospel consists of delivering the message of Christ, sharing testimony gives the effect of the gospel on us.
Not everyone shares the gospel and their testimony the same way. Some evangelize on the streets, others to neighbors and co-workers, while others work hard to win their children and grandchildren to Christ. Regardless of the situation, the kingdom will not advance without the faithfulness of Christians sharing the good news of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 9:23, etc.).
Godly Submission
The Bible teaches that Christians are those who are under authority—under God, the government, church leaders, and even under authority within the home (e.g., wives under husbands, children under parents; Eph. 5:22–6:4). It is important that church members submit themselves to the authorities under which God has placed them.
Within the church, members are subject to the loving leadership of godly elders. We read in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” This is not for the purpose of yielding to the whims of pastors and elders, but for the purpose of maintaining productive and peaceful unity.
Within the realm of our congregational church government, the membership have certain rights and responsibilities. Furthermore, it is always the aim of church leaders to create an “open door” policy to field members’ questions, concerns, suggestions, and constructive feedback. Ultimately, however, the Lord entrusts the shepherding care of His church to qualified elders who will give an account (1 Pet. 5:1–4).
Maintaining Unity
Church members are charged with the joyful responsibility of “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). In the normal routine of community life together, there may arise arguments, disagreements, and transgressions against others. As members of Christ’s body, we are called to confess our sins to one another (Jas. 5:16), forgive others kindly (Eph. 4:32), to seek reconciliation and not division.
We are exhorted: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 4:1–4).
Participating in the Ordinances
An “ordinance” is any ritual the Lord commands the church to observe in Scripture. In obedience to the Lord, we practice two ordinances (observances) as a church: Baptism and the Lord’s Table.
Baptism
Jesus commanded that all His disciples be baptized (Matt 28:19; cf. Acts 2:37–38). Baptism is an outward symbol of something that has taken place inward, namely, that a person has been “born again” and is now a Christian. The method of baptism is not specified in Scripture, but the very word itself is derived from the Greek word baptizó, which means “to immerse.” So, we practice baptism by immersion.
The water symbolizes death, and we are instructed to be “baptized into Christ’s death” (Rom 6:3–4) and brought to new life in the resurrection of Jesus. There are several reasons for the practice; namely, the need for the believer’s profession of faith (Rom. 10:9–10), affirmation of the genuineness of faith by the church (Gal. 3:26–29), and a recognition of the promise made by God—that He would make us “new creations” (Ezek. 36:25–26; 2 Cor. 5:17).
In our practice of baptism, we interview baptismal candidates to hear their testimony of saving faith, and then hold a public baptism where they can share their profession with the church, followed by a time of fellowship and celebration.
The Lord’s Table (Communion)
The Lord’s Table is an act of remembrance (Lk. 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:24, 25). The bread and wine symbolize Christ’s body and blood, which were sacrificed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22–25; Lk. 22:19–20). These two elements serve as symbols of the New Covenant (Ex. 24:8; Matt. 28:26; Heb. 9:20). They serve as a reminder of Christ’s life and sacrificial death, as well as a beacon of hope for His second coming. The physical ordinances (for our purposes, the bread and juice) possess no magical, mystical, or saving power. We are instructed to partake of this ceremony regularly, “for as often as [we] eat [the] bread and drink the cup, [we] proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26).
Practically speaking, we serve the Lord’s Table monthly and expect that our members will partake in obedience to Christ. We discourage unbelievers from partaking because they do not yet belong to Christ in salvation. However, it is our desire that they will consider their own spiritual condition before the Lord, and repent and believe the gospel. We also encourage parents to guard the Table from young children and discern when they begin to understand its meaning and significance. Instead, Christians ought to regard the Lord’s Table as a time of prayer, self-examination, confession, and worship (1 Cor. 11:27–28).
Understanding Church Government
Harvest Bible Church functions according to Elder-Led Congregational church government (also known as “polity”). Under the submission to the godly leadership of qualified elders, the congregation has final authority to make decisions within the life of the body. While not every decision needs to be brought before the congregation, there are important decisions (such as affirming church officers, approving the annual budget, participating in church discipline, and weighing in on key decisions for direction) for which the congregation is responsible.
The warrant for such authority is found in many places in Scripture. For example, the church’s first deacons were selected and affirmed by the congregation (Acts 6:1–7). Church discipline matters were judged by the church (1 Cor. 5:1–13). Furthermore, the Lord Jesus decreed that the final step in church discipline is carried out by the church (Matt. 18:17).
Healthy congregationalism should not produce a pure democracy (“the will of the people”) nor should it hamstring the biblical mandate for elder authority. Rather, it is a process of governance given by the Lord to invest the body of Christ with the opportunity, blessing, and responsibility to engage in active Christian ministry.
What about Church Discipline?
Because of the fallen nature of humanity, all people—including regenerated Christians—commit sins. When this happens, the believer must confess to the Lord and find forgiveness earned through the saving work of Jesus Christ. However, there may be times when sin goes unchecked, either through a lack of awareness or because of their own stubbornness. When other believers become aware of the sins of their brother or sister, they should do all they can to restore them gently (Gal. 6:1–2).
The process by which believers ought to be restored is spelled out by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:15–17, consisting of several steps of increasing intensity. Ideally, trespasses can be dealt with quickly and quietly, but if a hardness of heart persists, the church will eventually be called in to help lead the sinning member to repentance.
Church members ought to be aware of the possibility of being subject to church discipline if they continue in unrepentant sin. The aim is always for restoring them to the church fellowship, and never to harm them. Therefore, members should recognize that these steps will be obediently followed if they are engaged in unrepentant sin.
On the other hand, church members ought also to be aware that they must be diligent to help restore sinning members, either through private confrontation or corporate discipline. Ultimately, church discipline done correctly will potentially save sinning believers from greater danger, as well as foster greater unity and purity within the church itself.
How Does Membership Terminate?
There are times when church membership is terminated. Generally speaking, these are the reasons:
- Leaving the church in good standing, whereby membership can be transferred to another like-minded church (provided the receiving church accepts a transfer).
- Membership can be terminated if a member is unresponsive to church discipline, whereby the final step is excommunication (Matt. 18:17).
- The elders may terminate the membership of individuals who have ceased attending HBC and are no longer communicating with the church or its elders. Members who are removed due to inactivity may be reinstated if they return to church in good standing after meeting with the elders.
Legal Protections
When church members have disagreements with one another, or with church leaders, Scripture commands that matters be settled peacefully and privately (1 Cor. 6:1–8). Dragging personal matters against other believers before a secular court does nothing but create division within the body of Christ and damage our witness before the unbelieving world. In obedience to the word of God, and in submission to the unity and faithful witness of the church, HBC members pledge to refrain from legal actions or lawsuits against church officers and church members, unless a crime has demonstrably been committed.
Appendix: Membership Covenant
(Last Updated November 8, 2023)
As beloved saints and members of Harvest Bible Church, we agree together in love and promise the following:
- To faithfully read and study the Scriptures, seeking to know God and govern our lives according to His word; to be devoted to growing in Christlikeness, forsaking sinfulness and engaging in godly obedience; to commit ourselves to prayer and to the joy of the Lord.
- To devote ourselves to our families, loving our spouses and discipling our children through the ministry of the word; to honor and care for those whom God has entrusted to us.
- To commit ourselves to the assembly of the saints through regular attendance at Sunday worship, participating in the ordinances, sacrificially giving of our time, talents, and resources to meet the needs of church ministries and families; to exercise our God-given spiritual gifts in order to build up this church and its members.
- To honor, support, cooperate with, and submit to the loving leadership of this church as they exercise their biblical responsibility to shepherd the flock; to pray regularly for the expressed needs of our church body and for our elders, deacons, and ministry leaders.
- To commit to the receiving and giving of love, encouragement, admonishment, comfort, and exhortation, all in our desire to grow in our Christlikeness; to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in mind and heart by exercising humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love, being intent on one purpose to grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
- To faithfully maintain our Christian witness, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with our family and acquaintances, as God gives us opportunity, to see them come to trust Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation; to pray for the advancement of the gospel to the nations, all the more as the Day of Christ draws near.
- To submit to the biblical practice of church discipline (Matt. 18:15–17) when unrepentant sin is committed, for the ultimate purpose of restoration to the body of Christ.