Why Should I Be a Member of a Church?

Overview

"Do I even have to be a member of a church?" Lead Pastor Brad Kirby says it's one of the top five questions he's heard in 30 years of ministry. He and Andre Samson walk through the three ways people push back, then take on a common objection: the word "membership" isn't even in the Bible. The real issue is what the church actually is. It's not a name on a roster. It's a people, a body, and a family. Seen that way, the question flips from "why should I?" to "why wouldn't I want to belong?" Then Andre asks what a lot of us are thinking: can't I just watch online? What would it look like for you to belong?

Three Takeaways

"Membership" isn't in the Bible. Belonging is everywhere.

The word "membership" isn't in Scripture, but neither are "Trinity" or "discipleship," and both run all through it. The Bible gives more than 59 commands to love one another. You can't obey those without real relationships with people you actually know.

The church is a family, not a roster.

Membership isn't like a Sam's Club card with your name on a list. Scripture calls the church a people, a body, and a family. That's where we love and serve each other, hold each other accountable, and share the ordinances, like baptism and communion. Understood that way, belonging is a gift for your growth, protection, and joy.

You can't do family through a screen.

Watching online is a real gift on a sick day or a busy week, but it was never meant to replace the gathered church. Jesus didn't phone it in: the Word became flesh and lived among us. We're called to the same, carrying each other's burdens, opening our homes, and praying for one another in person.

Scripture in This Episode

Ephesians 4:25

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Talk About It

Brad names three reasons people push back on membership: not sure it's biblical, not sure it matters, or not wanting to be accountable. Which one sounds most like you, and why?
Where have you experienced the church as a family, or wished you had?
Which "one another" command is hardest for you to live out right now, and who could you practice it with this week?

Your Next Step

If you've mostly been watching from a distance, pick one Sunday this month to come in person and introduce yourself to someone near you. If you're already showing up, ask yourself what it would look like to go from attending to belonging.

Take it with you

Download the printable one-pager below.

Printable One Pager