Does church membership matter?

This question rarely comes up when talking with leaders of established churches - but it is often raised when talking with church planters. They are the ones birthing something new, something without history, tradition, or template. They have “permission” to ask this.

I see the issue coming down to these questions:

Does the Bible teach church membership implicitly or explicitly?

Is church membership a product of the American church? Or of a generation past? Does church membership mean anything to anyone anymore?


Would you be hindered in making Christ-followers if you didn’t have a formal membership in your church?

If you do have formal membership, what are the rights and responsibilities of members versus those who simply attend?

Is it more meaningful to have permanent membership, or a membership that must “re-enlist” annually?

I like the idea of re-enlisting membership each year, perhaps on the church’s anniversary Sunday. Its a way of reminding everyone “This is what we are about - this is the mission and vision. Do you want to sign-up again, recommit to this adventure?” I think this can keep members fresh and focused.

Question 4 is challenging. If you do have membership, where do you draw the line between members and attenders:

• who can be a leader in your church?
• who can teach?
• who can serve?
• who would you do church correction with?

Question 3 takes a simpler view of church, and sees it as a family. There is no “who’s in, who’s out” conflict. If you are coming to this church, we treat you like family. There aren’t two levels of commitment. There may be an issue with voting if your constitution requires such a step for land purchases, pastor selection, etc. But that begs a whole other question - is voting on church issues Biblical?

Question 2 is a very honest look at reality. In this culture, today, what do people “join”? Does membership carry the same meaning for my kids that it carried for my parents generation?

Question 1? to be continued…

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