Church Membership?

Question

What's the point? Is it really needed?

Folks, I'm a total Jesus freak. I tend to view the 'its for the $$' comments as just plain ignorant.

As a believer, I am curious if others view membership as having any spiritual value.

Answer 1

No, I don't believe church membership is necessary to have a relationship with God. I came to know God at a time when I was not a part of a congregation. It was a very wonderful, life-changing experience.

At this point in my life, I've come to the conclusion that I will grow much more if I am a part of a church body. I've come to find that I need other strong Christians around me to help me along my life's path. I seek prayer, advice, comfort, etc. from my other brothers and sisters in the Lord, and I can't begin to say how much it has helped me. They have become my spiritual family and I love them very much!

Answer 2

When I attended Church back in my Christian days I never actually joined any congregation; I was happy enough with the fellowship and participating in the services. The only limitation was that I was not allowed to vote on Church policy, something I wasn't interested in anyway.

I think the value of religious affiliation comes from the fellowship and sense of community with like-minded believers, so membership is not an actual necessity to be able to have these things. That having been said, there is for many believers an emotional draw that helps them feel a greater sense of such community when they actually join a congregation. I know of no church, though, that will exclude anyone from participation, except for matters of voting, because of lack of actual membership.

Answer 3

Contrary to the first answer it is not money, you need not be a member to donate. The reason is the fellowship and social needs that you attain by being a member. You are blessed by the others and you you become a part of a family. A family who cares for you whether or not you contribute money to the church. As a pastor i never look at who pays tithes or donates to church so I treat all fairly. I am free to preach as i feel led because i can show no partiality. Most pastors do the same.

Answer 4

There are some rules laid out in IRS Publication 526 regarding membership fees paid to qualified organizations (and most churches should be). They generally say that membership fees are deductible to the extent that the contribution is more than the value of the benefits one receives. There are certain membership benefits that can be disregarded for purposes of this rule. Such benefits would be only determinable at the individual church level.

Answer 5

Church membership is good in that you have a regular group to fellowship with. I know you can also do that without joining a church, but it makes most people feel closer to the group. I know that my church family seems just like my own family to me. It is a small church where everyone knows everyone's name, and it is like going to a family reunion when I go to church. I love it.

The real church is actually all of the believers around the world, the body of Christ, and when you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are part of that body without joining anything.

Answer 6

Let's pretend that you can't come up with any reason to join a church. Even if that were true, if you are a Christian you will want to follow the Bible. It says to "forsake not the gathering of yourselves together". Even if there were no other reason obedience to God is reason enough to do anything.
By the way, there are many benefits to church membership. Support, accountability, fellowship with like-minded believers, edification... I could go on but you get the idea.

Answer 7

hey Bobo
There are two camps on this (as always). I myself belong to a church as a member - because my husband was a member and this is where he wants to stay because he feels called there by the Lord. I will follow as that is my place.
However, he is also open to being called elsewhere, as well as not belonging to any particular denomination.

Membership of course, is viewed among denominations differently as well. We are evangelical, and it is possible for us to leave our membership and go elsewhere without question. Many mainstream denominations though, do not view membership as fluid. Their memberships are based on familial entrance by birth. The scripture on this is ambiguous at best.

As for the point of it - is it needed? I think it can be beneficial if it's viewed correctly by the eldership and pastors of the denomination. You have a sense of belonging and a stake in what is happening in your church family. It is beneficial for spiritual feeding as a family. Togetherness makes for comfort.

:))
good question bobo

GIG

Answer 8

You know, I don't know. I've been going to the same church for almost 15 years and have never become a member. It doesn't mean I'm not active in the church or anything but I just never decided to become a member. My parents are members and they aren't treated any differently than I am. They don't pay more money than I do and aren't asked for anything more than I am. Sooo, I really don't know why you need to become a member of a church. I think it would be just enough to be a regular attender.

Answer 9

Fellowship with other Christians strengthens your beliefs and provides a place where like mind people can get together. It is a place of worship where you can recharge your spirit. Those who say that it is just there for the $$ do not really understand the true purpose of the church. We do a lot of good with our out reach to the community.

Answer 10

while i have never joined a church, I have been active in many of them,
Church Membership, like Jack said, only counts when you want to vote on Church policy, or to become a Deacon in the Church, However as a non-member, I have been the youth pastor, Sunday school superintendent, and worship leader. and also teacher of the midweek bible study.
all in different Churches than I was ordained in.