i was a member to a chruch but for one reason or anther i started going to another chruch i enjoy this chruch im going to now and have been going to it for the past year they talk about people joining and becoming a member what is the importance of being a member
2006-10-01 08:57:55 · 16 answers · asked by susie g 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Bible says that there is really only one church that is made up of all of the people who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation and been born again by the Holy Spirit of God. If you haven't been born again then it doesn't really matter what building you show up at on Sunday because you are still lost in your sins and on the path that leads to destruction.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere love for the brothers, love one another fervently from a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever....you also, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
As to what it might mean to become a member of a specific congregation you would have to ask the people at the church. Some churches have strict standards and rules while other churches might just ask you to sign up as a member after a brief interview and then provide you with some membership information. Basically it means that you have decided that the Lord has called you to become an active member of a particular congregation and you plan on supporting the Lord's work there with your time, talents, and treasures.
2006-10-01 09:14:32 · answer #1 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a member of a church means that you are a voting member of the church. It puts you with a Deacon care group, that means if you have prayer requests or if you are in some sort of need, the Deacon will bring that before the other Deacons so they can help you or pray for you. Usually to join a church, you have a membership class. There you would give your testimony and learn exactly what your church believes.
It doesn't have anything to do with tithes, because you should be doing that already. Tithing is the only time, the Bible says, that you are allowed to test God. Malachi 3:10. A tithe is between you and God, don't ever let a church tell you how much you are to give.
It also means that you can be a member of the staff. Such as a counter (usually a man) church secretary, clerk (takes minutes of meetings). The Church takes care of its own. My church fixed a church members roof, when it leaked and he had no money to pay for it. Another member sold his house and the new one wasn't ready yet, so the church housed him. My friend is Catholic and her church paid her house payments while her husband was in the hospital with a broken back. They paid 22,000. for my friend and her family.
Belonging to a Church is like having an extended family. I love my Church. I believe the Lord brought me here.
2006-10-01 16:24:24 · answer #2 · answered by sunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, becoming a member of a certain church allows you to go to social activities that are not commonly available to any guest to the church and you can also be join in the worship part of the services and not get any strange questions asked of you, like, "Why are you here, and not at your own church?' and also you get to make decisions for the direction that the church goes to, whether spiritual or political.
2006-10-01 16:02:31 · answer #3 · answered by marcyfiorica 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is another topic that has obviously been either confused or muddled. Having no creed but the Bible alone,( attend church of Christ, we have no creed) we look to the Bible to determine our terms of membership. As a result, we do not "vote" a person into the congregation. Neither do we have a probationary period, a special class, or any other such thing to become a member. These things are simply not mentioned or even implied in scripture.
Terms of membership into the Lord's church are the same as those for Salvation. Ephesians 1:1-14 tells us that God has blessed those "In Him" or "In Christ" with every spiritual blessing, with redemption and forgiveness of sins, with an inheritance of Heaven, and with the Holy Spirit. The 2nd chapter of Ephesians tells how all Christians, whether they were a Jew or Gentile (non-Jew) have been brought together in Christ. This happened at the moment one was saved. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). God's part was extending his grace (undeserved mercy), our part is faith. The passage concludes: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, God's household..." (Ephesians 2:19).
So then, when one is saved, he becomes part of God's household.
2006-10-01 16:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not have to become a member of the church, you are a part of Jesus church. If they are pressuring you to become a member it might be for financial gain or to misdirect you about baptism. Do your research!!!!!
Not to say that being apart of a church is bad. If you find the right one it is a great way to find a ministry and a great sense of community.
2006-10-01 16:01:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people go to churches without adding themselves to the church. In my opinion, this is like getting the benefits of marriage, without the commitment.
The pattern of scripture is believing, baptism, then addition to the church. (Acts 2:41-42 ff)
It has nothing to do with tithing (tithing is not something only reserved for members, it is an instrument of God's blessing for all believers (Malachai 3:10)). It does however put you under the authority of the church, and the pastor will give an account to God for your soul. You in turn, are responsible for keeping the pastor accountable for his dealings in the church through voting in church affairs.
Hope that helps!
Booyakasha
2006-10-01 16:22:44 · answer #6 · answered by Reasoner 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
becoming a member means you are making a commitment to that church body- you are accpeting them as your family that oyu will support in prayer and they will support you. This is your home body where you will pay your tithes and serve in ministry. It has nothing to do with "religion" in the wordly sense of the word- you are free t ovisit other churches - it is just a commitment you make as you are choosingto worship and "get fed" (God's word) there that you will support that church and it's members
2006-10-01 16:14:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its about becomeing a member of a tightly knit and loving community. I suggest reading "9 Marks of a Healthy Church" by Mark Dever to find out more.
2006-10-01 16:00:39 · answer #8 · answered by Jason M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Becoming a member means that you have to pay tithes.That is about the only difference...And you can vote in Church elections.
2006-10-01 15:59:38 · answer #9 · answered by John G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
becoming a member means that you agree with the vision of the church and want to be a part of it, that you will be faithful to services to the best of your ability and that you will support the church financially
2006-10-01 16:06:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋