Growing up I had many opportunities to be part of a collective group of people that worked to better themselves and their community. One of the highlights of my childhood was being a member of my local 4-H club. 4-H was something that I loved doing in many ways, and it forced me to do things that I would not do otherwise. It got me outdoors. It got me involved in show-pigs and forced me to get my hands dirty (literally). It gave me discipline and taught me that working hard towards something could reap big rewards and tasty bacon! Also, basketball was a major part of my life growing up. Learning sportsmanship, and what it meant to be part of a team prepared me for the future. I have many fond memories of sitting on the bench watching the better players win or lose the game. But I was fine with sitting on the bench because I knew I was part of the process. We either won or lost as a team, together. But one of the greatest privileges of growing up was the opportunity of serving in the local church as an equal member. It was here that I heard the call to ministry. It was here that I preached my first sermon. It was here I met my wife, and it was here I learned the importance of church membership.
Membership is important in so many ways. It help us focus our work and our calling into ministry. It teaches us commitment to a single cause and how to strive together to work towards the many goals of the ministry. It creates a sense of joy in our hearts knowing that this is where I belong and this is ourmission. I love how Jonathan Leeman puts it in his book on Church Membership. He says that so many people associate church membership as a “club”, but a better way to think of it is an “embassy.” We are citizens of a Kingdom that is not of this world. We live in a place that is not our home. We represent our King and his Kingdom in this place while we are here. And we ought to do it well.
Church membership requires commitment. It requires hard work and sacrifice. It takes people who are committed to the work of the ministry. If a group of people come together, commit to a local body, love each other as Christ loves us, hold one accountable as Christ holds us accountable, and work for the Kingdom like Christ lay down his life for us—we will see great things happen in our community for the Kingdom of God.
I am reminded of Paul’s words when encouraging the church at Corinth to continue in the work of the ministry.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
The Church is strong when its members relies not its own strength but on the Foundation. The Church is immovable when its feet is firmly planted on the Rock. The work of the Church is never in vain when all labor is done in honor to the King. May we be a church that commits to the work of the ministry and the one who saved us.
Bro. Jesse