Depending on who you are, that is, what influences have shaped you up to this point, you will view the idea of church membership through the lenses of those influences. Some of you might ask the question of 'Why should I become a member of a local church body?' and others you of might answer the question with a question of 'Why wouldn't you?'. Others might ask the question 'What is the point or purpose of church membership?'. The trends of values in our postmodern culture are moving away from 'loyalties' to organizations. About 10 years ago I noted at a Shriners Christmas benefit for children of disability, probably 90% of the Shriners were over 55. Many of those were well into or over the 60 age. The group which had largerly had little difficulty in attracting membership say 20 years earlier was in a serious decline in drawing younger members.
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I use this to illustrate the point some of the challenges of membership as it relates to the local church are due to cultural trends. Some people of faith see the whole idea of going through a church membership class as unspiritual and even carnal. This is due in part to the understanding that local church, the body of Christ is made up of people who have experienced re-birth by the Holy Spirit. This fact is true. Church membership though does not necessarily conflict with the work of the Holy Spirit in the local church. The life and walk of each Christian is to be in submission to the authority of God who is supreme over all. Peter when writing to persecuted churches who were struggling with their circumstances had these words of counsel to them... 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. (1 Pe 2:13-14) The authorities they were called to submit to were not particularly friendly to their faith and calling. So respect and submission, to systems of government for the 'Lord's sake' is a way to obey and honour God. It is part of our calling and walk and witness in following Christ.
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Peter's instruction gives the positive effect such behaviour results in he says... 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (1 Pe 2:14-17)
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Clearly we live in a culture and age where much has been made of the inappropriate actions of a number of persons and groups this includes churches. Presently our government has provisions as to how religious charitable and not for profit groups should conduct their business. This framework is to ensure the safety and appropriate governance of such groups. Such rules have an interest in a broader sense of protecting citizens from harmful systems. If you have attended church meetings, annual, financial or even informational generally one observes rules of order at play so that members can contribute their views and hear the views of leaders before a vote is taken by the members as decisions are made. Such practices in fact are the evidence the church is seeking to respect both government required order and the instruction offered by Peter which we understand to be the instruction of Scripture.
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Not only is there a requirement to follow the rules of societal order, we find also that God has given spiritual gifts to persons in the church that should be excersised in leading the church as it seeks to glorify God...
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his?b? faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Ro 12:5-8)
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Presently as a church we are navigating new waters. There has been change in pastoral leadership and even more recently a change in the make up of our board of elders. I have been in churches where it was hard to find leaders because the churches set parameters that require people in leadership to be members of the local church. Often this requirement is seen as unecessary by people who have been long time adherents and faithful supporters of the church in many ways over the years. However, earlier I stated that both people and organizations have made the press because they have failed to govern and lead well. Good governance practises and development is one of the ways where we can honour God and respect those who are in authority over us.
As a formal recognized legal religious charitible organization we are required to follow due processess and protocols to meet governing standards. We know the that our church is not a museum for perfect saints. No church is. Rules for discipline and order are necessary. Will there be failures? Yes! Will we be able to show that we have done our best to honour God and respect authorities who govern us? I would suggest this occurs when the follower of Christ chooses to identify with a local body of Christ and actively support the body through the stewardship of their spiritual gifts, the resourses of time, talents and finances.
The link below contains documents on membership and spiritual gifts. Why not begin to review them? A number you have asked about membership classes, generally its takes two meetings to reveiw material. Following this there is an interview with board members. Then persons are received into membership. Please email me if you are interested and possible times you would be able to meet.
http://www.humyo.com/9955259/scc/
I will have more to say on membership next week but tell me what are your thoughts?
wesm@southsidecommunitychurch.com