- A cultural reason: It is an antidote to our society.
We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything … a job … a marriage … our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of “church shoppers and hoppers.” Membership swims against the current of America’s “consumer religion.” It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character.
- A practical reason: It defines who can be counted on.
Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Membership defines our family, and like a functional family, we can count on one another. Membership also allows for church leadership to know who they are accountable for before the Lord.
- A personal reason: It produces spiritual growth.
The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be in each others lives for spiritual growth. The church is our your primary sphere to live out the one-another commands of Scripture. You cannot grow and mature in Christ when you’re not committed to a church family.
- A biblical reason: Christ is committed to the church.
… Christ loved the church, and he gave his life for it. (Ephesians 5:25) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it (Matthew 16:18)
At Redemption, formal membership is our way of clearly communicating who we are and what is means to be a part of our church family. It offers people a clear way to become part of our family.