This past week I attended a membership class for a church that I have been visiting for the past month or so, and in doing so I was reminded of a friend who once asked me "Why is it so important to join a church?". I think that there are a lot of people out there who ask this same question, and I think the confusion is in the use of the word "membership". What come to my mind when I hear the word membership are golf courses and fancy resorts and clubs. The word screams "rights and privileges", and many people take it as such.
"I'm a 'member of this church' and therefore I have the right to vote on who we have as a pastor!"
"My family have been members of this church for generations! If we don't like what you want to do you can leave!"
etc...
The problem is that people have forgotten what it means to be a "member" of a church body. It is not special voting rights, it's not about getting on the priority list for benevolence ministries, nor is it about being able to have your business promoted in the church bulletin. SURPRISE AMERICA! It ain't about you and your stupid "rights"! In fact, you have the "right" to go to hell in a hand-basket, but thank your sorry butt that God took that right away. When you come into Christianity you fall into the greatest monarchy that has ever existed. A monarchy, a Kingdom, that transcends time, space, and the imaginary borders of human politics. You gave up a slavery for servant-hood; unhealthy "freedom" for pure, life-giving liberty.
I was so grateful that the pastor who taught the class this past Sunday brought up this is issue. He equated church "membership" to covenant. But what is a covenant??? Here is a definition from thefreedictionary.com
cov·e·nant (kv-nnt)
n.
1. A binding agreement; a compact. See Synonyms -- bargain.
2. Law
a. A formal sealed agreement or contract.
b. A suit to recover damages for violation of such a contract.
3. In the Bible, God's promise to the human race.
In my joining a Church, I am not taking anything or gaining special rights and privileges. It's not a social club where I pay my dues (tithe) and have special standing as a result. I cannot press this subject enough. In joining a church I am saying:
"I confess my belief in Christ and my adhering to the Nicene and Apostle's Creeds. I will stand in unity with my brothers and sisters, hereby declaring that I will love, protect, care for, and commune with those of this small community within the vast, universal Kingdom of Christ. I will submit to the authority of; create peace and unity within; and give of my gifts, resources, and knowledge for the sake of this community. If I can give, I will. If I can protect, I will. If I can teach, I will. I commit to praying, fasting, and serving with the other members of this body and will not engage in gossip, petty arguments, or unjustified petitions against other members of this body. I will be an instrument of peace. All this I pledge, knowing that others have pledged the same, but not living in expectation of return. I will seek to not fail in my pledge even if others fail to do the same. All this I pledge according to the mandate laid down by Scripture and the writings of those who have gone before. In the Name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
It is the giving of oneself for others. Woe to anyone who makes such a commitment lightly or with self-centered intent.
If you have joined a church as a member but have not followed through with service, or perhaps you realize that you have had the wrong attitude, it i not too late to change. Start now!
Peace be with you.
Stephen
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"I'm a 'member of this church' and therefore I have the right to vote on who we have as a pastor!"
"My family have been members of this church for generations! If we don't like what you want to do you can leave!"
etc...
The problem is that people have forgotten what it means to be a "member" of a church body. It is not special voting rights, it's not about getting on the priority list for benevolence ministries, nor is it about being able to have your business promoted in the church bulletin. SURPRISE AMERICA! It ain't about you and your stupid "rights"! In fact, you have the "right" to go to hell in a hand-basket, but thank your sorry butt that God took that right away. When you come into Christianity you fall into the greatest monarchy that has ever existed. A monarchy, a Kingdom, that transcends time, space, and the imaginary borders of human politics. You gave up a slavery for servant-hood; unhealthy "freedom" for pure, life-giving liberty.
I was so grateful that the pastor who taught the class this past Sunday brought up this is issue. He equated church "membership" to covenant. But what is a covenant??? Here is a definition from thefreedictionary.com
cov·e·nant (kv-nnt)
n.
1. A binding agreement; a compact. See Synonyms -- bargain.
2. Law
a. A formal sealed agreement or contract.
b. A suit to recover damages for violation of such a contract.
3. In the Bible, God's promise to the human race.
In my joining a Church, I am not taking anything or gaining special rights and privileges. It's not a social club where I pay my dues (tithe) and have special standing as a result. I cannot press this subject enough. In joining a church I am saying:
"I confess my belief in Christ and my adhering to the Nicene and Apostle's Creeds. I will stand in unity with my brothers and sisters, hereby declaring that I will love, protect, care for, and commune with those of this small community within the vast, universal Kingdom of Christ. I will submit to the authority of; create peace and unity within; and give of my gifts, resources, and knowledge for the sake of this community. If I can give, I will. If I can protect, I will. If I can teach, I will. I commit to praying, fasting, and serving with the other members of this body and will not engage in gossip, petty arguments, or unjustified petitions against other members of this body. I will be an instrument of peace. All this I pledge, knowing that others have pledged the same, but not living in expectation of return. I will seek to not fail in my pledge even if others fail to do the same. All this I pledge according to the mandate laid down by Scripture and the writings of those who have gone before. In the Name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
It is the giving of oneself for others. Woe to anyone who makes such a commitment lightly or with self-centered intent.
If you have joined a church as a member but have not followed through with service, or perhaps you realize that you have had the wrong attitude, it i not too late to change. Start now!
Peace be with you.
Stephen
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