Church Membership
Teacher: Joe Sutton
Date: 20th August 2023
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This message is a discussion on the purpose of the Church, the purpose of local church fellowships, and why we believe that formal membership is helpful, being a powerful way to work out our Biblical command to be "members of one another."
What is the church? Not primarily a building, but a body of people who profess and show evidence of salvation through God's grace. The Greek word ekklesia means an assembly or gathering.
One Church, Local Churches: Jesus builds His church (singular), based on the profession of faith in Him and the foundation of the Scriptures. This is the global Church. There are also many local expressions of the church (plural).
Purpose of the Church: To continue Jesus' ministry, to represent Christ to the world, and to preach the Gospel, teaching and building up believers in doctrine.
Living as Christians: The Bible prescribes actions for Christians that can only be done within a local community. This involves commitment, serving one another, and mutual benefit.
"One Another" Verses: The New Testament emphasizes mutual duties: devotion, honour, seeking the same mind, love, not judging, building up, acceptance, and admonishment.
Commitment & Care: Local fellowships require commitment to care for one another physically and spiritually, to watch out for each other, to hold each other accountable, to edify, to bear with, to pray for, and to admonish.
Roles & Offices: Churches should have defined leadership. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders. Spiritual gifts should be recognised and used for the benefit of the church.
Church Discipline: Churches are called to discipline (admonish) one another, to correct and warn those going astray. Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 5 provide guidance on this process. This requires a clear delineation between those "in" and "out" of the church.
Why Formal Membership? Essential for clarity on who is committed to the church, for leadership accountability, and for formalising commitment to service, giving, and receiving care within the fellowship.
