Membership

What is Church?
The Church is the body of people who:
…believe the Gospel.
… have been redeemed by the blood of Christ.
… are separate from the world.
… follow Christian teachings in their daily lives.

“I’m a Christian, but I don’t see why I need to go to church”
God wants Christians to assemble as a community of believers:
1. To worship God in Spirit and in Truth. (St. John 4:23-24, 1Corinthians 3:16)
2. To hear the sound teaching of God’s Word, growing in love, knowledge and sanctification. (2 Peter 3:18 , 2 Timothy 3:14-17)
3. To spread the Gospel everywhere by
testimony of holy lives, and by preaching the Word of God. (Mark 16:15)

“How do I become a member of a church?”
The all-important requirement in order to become a member of the church is regeneration, to be born again into the family of God.
(John 3:3-5)

Three steps are necessary:
1. Faith in Christ and in His blood that cleanses from sin. John 3:6-16, 14:6, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 1:7 and 2. rc.,, :7, 9
2. True Repentance confesses our sins to God and forsake them. Acts 2:38, Matthew 9:13, 1 John 8:8, John 8:10-11, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Proverbs 28:13
3. A public profession of faith in Christ.

Church Membership-Privileges
A.Receive the ministry of the Word of God from the Pastor. Acts 20:27-30
B. Receive a visit from the Pastor
C. Take part in church activities
D. Receive the Lord’s Supper (Communion) (Matthew 26:17-30)
E. Be eligible to fill one of the official positions in the Church
F. Perhaps be called upon to assist in the preaching of the Gospel outside the church
G. Receive a membership card and financial book

Church Membership Responsibilities
A. To visit the sick, help the needy, comfort those in trouble and always try to maintain a good relationship with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 4:14, (James 1:27, Matthew 25:35-40)
B. To pray for a brother or a sister who has been overcome by sin. (1 John 4:16, Galatians 6:1-2)
C. To withdraw from those who cause divisions. (Romans 16:17)