Here at Grace Church, we believe that God desires every believer to be committed to one another in the local church. We teach that church membership is both biblical and beneficial. Christians who do not join the local church in membership are not only falling short of God’s design for the Christian life, but they also miss out on the advantages that accompany a commitment in membership.
Loving Accountability. Commitment naturally leads to richer fellowship. God wants you to have close Christian friends to help you live for Him (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 6:1). You have brothers and sisters in Christ who can help you fight off sin and hold you accountable.
Mutual Edification. Each believer is given spiritual gifts for the “common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7) and for the “equipping of the saints” (Ephesians 4:12). We benefit from other Christians who use their spiritual gifts to serve, sharpen, and encourage us. We, in turn, have the privilege of doing the same for others. Neglecting membership is a lose-lose situation for you and the other believers in the body.
Theological Guardrails. Sheep who stray from the flock are a natural target for the wolves. You make yourself easy prey for false teachers when you are disconnected from leaders and other Christians who can help you discern biblical truth. Isolation naturally leads to wrong beliefs. Committing yourself to other believers (especially those more mature and discerning) submits your life to correction and edification in the truth.
Biblical Preaching. The Word of God sanctifies (John 17:17). Putting yourself under the preaching of God’s Word will expose your sin and instruct you on how to grow in Christlikeness. Every Christian needs a steady diet of spiritual nourishment if they are going to grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:1–3).
Corporate Worship. We were made to worship God. While all of life should be an act of worship (Romans 12:1–2), God places a special emphasis on the importance of the regular gathering of His people where we join our voices in singing together (Colossians 3:16), sit under the preaching of God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:13), and fellowship with and serve one another as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Hebrews 10:24–25). During spiritually dry or difficult times, being with other worshipers can reignite passionate worship in your heart.
Consistent Giving. Staying at one local church gives you the unique opportunity to witness the specific ways God uses the church’s offerings to further the ministry there (building projects, supporting missionaries and pastors, evangelistic efforts, more effective ministry tools, etc.). Here at Grace, we have the opportunity to see the kingdom of God grow both locally and around the world.
Effective Evangelism. For many believers, sharing the gospel is not naturally easy. Being alone only enhances our fear and laziness toward evangelism. Yet when we unite in the purpose of sharing the gospel, we walk in a manner worthy of our heavenly citizenship (Philippians 1:27). Evangelizing alongside other Christians emboldens us when we are fearful and spurs us on when we are lazy.
If you desire these benefits in your life or have any questions about the membership process, please stop by our Member Center after the 11:00 am worship service.