"Church Membership: Who Needs It?"

By Pastor Bruce K. Oyen and Pastor Mark Perry

Email: bk_oyen@hotmail.com

     Should a Christian join a local church, or just faithfully attend one? Although it was common in days past to join a church, it is not so common now. Many Christians now think faithful attendance is all that is necessary. Some even think that faithful attendance makes them a member.  But are they right in their opinion?

     If you want to read some good insight about the importance of church membership, read pastor Mark Perry's article on the subject. Here (in red) is the introduction to his article:

    Talk about church membership and people start to bristle. Perhaps some have been “burned” by a ministry in the past and fear repeating that scenario. Others cite a lack of perfect agreement with church policy or personnel. Still others are “just looking,” and plan to continue doing so indefinitely. Most simply resist the idea of committing to a long-term relationship with an assembly of believers, preferring the cafeteria-style approach of “take it or leave it.” Choosing a place to worship for many falls into the same category as selecting a wireless phone carrier: avoid long-term contracts and get the best service for the cheapest price.

     It doesn’t take long before somebody challenges, “Where in the Bible does it say ‘Thou shalt join a church’?” While no Bible verse explicitly commands church membership, there are several reasons every Christian should want to become a member of a sound, Bible-believing assembly of fellow believers. The question the New Testament leaves us with is “Why wouldn’t you want to join a local church?”

     Ample evidence abounds in the New Testament about membership in local churches even in those days. Furthermore, membership is essential for a local church to carry out its God-given mandate. Finally, church membership is an important part of the sanctification process for every Christian.

      To read Pastor Perry's complete article on the subject, click on the following link: http://obfvisitor.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/church-membership-who-needs-it/#more-194.