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Sep 27, 2009

What is Church Membership?

Preacher: Tim Badal

Series:Exploring Ecclesiology: God's Blueprint for the Church

Summary:

Part 3 What is Church Membership? Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12 While all believers are part of the universal church, the New Testament also stresses the importance of all believers being a part of a local church. A local church is comprised of a definable group of people who, on the basis of their commitment to the Lord, have identified themselves with and committed themselves to one another. While membership in a local church does not guarantee one’s salvation, it is imperative for all believers to be connected to a body of believers for the sake of encouragement, edification and equipping. While church membership gives believers certain rights within a local congregation, its purpose is far more biblical. In the God-ordained environment of a local church, members function as one body, building up each other in love according to the rule of Scripture. Throughout scripture, it is clear that God intended for His people to enter into covenants with Him and with one another. Membership at Village Bible Church is a covenant relationship among fellow believers, as well as with their leaders under Christ. In order to implement the principles of accountability and commitment to the local body of Christ as defined in the New Testament and practiced in the early church, Village Bible Church recognizes the need for formal membership (Acts 11:26; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Philippians 1:1). 1. The biblical reasons for church membership. Church membership is seen in the Example of early church Existence of Church government Exercise of church discipline Exhortation for mutual care 2. The requirements for church membership This involves: Accepting the message of salvation Affirming your faith through baptism Active participation with others in the church 3. Our response as members of Village Bible Church. This calls all members to: Always be available for service Aim for the approval of God Being active in accountability Assess your abilities Accept your assignment Adopt the right attitude 4. The roadmap for membership at Village Bible Church.

Detail:

Part 3

What is Church Membership?

Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12

 While all believers are part of the universal church, the New Testament also stresses the importance of all believers being a part of a local church.  A local church is comprised of a definable group of people who, on the basis of their commitment to the Lord, have identified themselves with and committed themselves to one another.  While membership in a local church does not guarantee one’s salvation, it is imperative for all believers to be connected to a body of believers for the sake of encouragement, edification and equipping.

 While church membership gives believers certain rights within a local congregation, its purpose is far more biblical.  In the God-ordained environment of a local church, members function as one body, building up each other in love according to the rule of Scripture.  Throughout scripture, it is clear that God intended for His people to enter into covenants with Him and with one another.  Membership at Village Bible Church is a covenant relationship among fellow believers, as well as with their leaders under Christ.  In order to implement the principles of accountability and commitment to the local body of Christ as defined in the New Testament and practiced in the early church, Village Bible Church recognizes the need for formal membership (Acts 11:26; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Philippians 1:1).

1.   The biblical reasons for church membership.

Church membership is seen in the

  • Example of early church
  • Existence of Church government
  • Exercise of church discipline
  • Exhortation for mutual care

 

2.   The requirements for church membership

This involves:

  • Accepting the message of salvation
  • Affirming your faith through baptism
  • Active participation with others in the church

 

3.   Our response as members of Village Bible Church.

This calls all members to:

  • Always be available for service
  • Aim for the approval of God
  • Being active  in accountability
  • Assess your abilities
  • Accept your assignment
  • Adopt the right attitude

 

4.   The roadmap for membership at Village Bible Church.