I was recently asked, “Why is church membership important?”
I thought that was a very good question. I understand some churches no longer have a membership. I’m not sure of the reasons. I can also understand such a question when the sad truth is that less than 30 percent of membership in a church is active.
Active means to participate in a regular worship service (two to three times per month) and be active in other areas of service. For example, at Zion there are a variety of boards to serve on in regard to worship, youth ministry, outreach missions, and a governing board called a council. Volunteers using their gifts and talents, and finances are needed to keep a church relevant for a community. Zion also supports worldwide missions with their Sunday offerings.
Another sad trend is to “search” for a church. When something is said, or not said, too many go looking for another church to attend.
Paul in the Book of Hebrew 10.25 put it very eloquently, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The book of Hebrew is filled with accounts of faith. Without the community of believers in the visible church that God established, how do we learn about the saving faith of Jesus’ death on the cross?
Belonging to a church provides a community which teaches the truth of God’s Word. So, if you are looking for a church to call home, consider the following: Does this church teach the six chief parts of the Christian faith: The Ten Commandments, The Apostle’s Creed/Nicene Creed, Baptism, Holy Communion, Lord’s Prayer, and the Office of the Keys?
In each one of those chief parts, what is taught? Are they sticking to God’s Word as the inherent Word? Adam and Eve learned the hard way by adding to what God said. When they were tempted by Satan, Satan stated, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Eve stated, “...and you must not touch it.”
Sadly, many churches add to or take away from what is written in the accounts of Scripture. 2 Timothy 1. 13 “What you hear from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching and faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit what was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in you.”
And 3.16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
In the coming weeks churches will have their fall kickoffs. Now is the time for going back to your church home or stepping into a church and making it home.
Don’t be offended if someone asks you, “Are you a member here?” We ask because we care and perhaps have missed you. God has provided the church to grow in our faith, to be involved in sharing the Law and Gospel in bringing others to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Remember, Cain, Adam and Eve’s son, brought his first fruits of his labor to God as a thank offering. Shouldn’t we bring ourselves to God in worship, praise and thanksgiving?
