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On Local Church Membership

We must give attention to this topic from time to time simply because members of the church often indicate they do not know anything about the responsibilities of local church membership. We have noted, though, that there’s usually no problem with their understanding their responsibilities regarding a union, a garden club, a civic club, etc. It seems to be a questionable area only when it comes to the church of the Lord.

Let’s proceed using the method of questions:

1. Where was the eunuch, regarding the church, after Philip baptized him? One, in being baptized, is baptized into the body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:13). He is there because the Lord has added him there (Acts 2:47).

2. Of what congregation was the eunuch a member just after he was baptized? Naturally, he was a member of the church, but he was not a member of any congregation. He was en route to his home, and now under the obligation to be with a congregation there, or to begin one.

3. How will he become a member of a local congregation? The Lord only placed him in the church. The hands of the evangelist only rendered him assistance in obeying. He will be a member of a local congregation when he takes the action to become such. He is obligated, in terms of worship, to be with saints, to commune with them (1 Corinthians 11:23-30), and to give with them (1 Corinthians 16:2). He cannot accomplish this worship unless he is with them. We find Paul as an example, going to Jerusalem, and placing himself with the body of disciples (Acts 9:26).

4. Is the placing of such membership essential? Indeed so, for the New Testament knows nothing of roving, rambling members “at large.” We are to be in congregations, subject to the leadership of the elders, involved in that work, supportive of the Lord’s cause in that place. Membership involves more than just “having the name on the roll.” Actually, placing myself with a congregation, I am then under obligation to do my part in every single but of the congregation’s program of work. I am as obligated as any other member!

All of us need to look at our individual, personal responsibilities in the local congregation, and give ourselves fully to the work. Local church membership is the wisdom of the Lord, revealed in the New Testament, that places us in that area of responsibility. May we examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5), and see if we are doing or if we are being “carried along” by the work of others.