The Value of Church Membership

The Value of Church Membership

Reviewing MCC’s Mission

I. The local church is not:

 1. People who have good intentions and intellectual facts about Jesus.

2.  A building

3.  Not a place “primarily” for those who reject Christ.

 II. The local church is:

An assembly of people who profess and give evidence that they have been saved by God's grace alone, for His glory alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. God is placing truly regenerated people in His church that He bought with the price of His Son, whose sinful rebellion has been forgiven and who now share the same spiritual DNA as Jesus. These true believers are to be increasingly reflecting the love, holiness & mission of God.             Mark Dever

 1 Corinthians 5:1-13         Page #1143

 III. What church membership signifies?

 1.  Endorsement of a person's proclamation of Christ.

 Acts 6:6 - And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

 Acts 13:3 - … when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

 1 Tim. 5:22 -  Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.

 Meaningless membership in a local church sends a confusing witness to the community; it dilutes the Gospel message and undermines unity.

Mark Dever

 2.  Commitment to spiritual impact and faithfulness. 

   a. Buy & sale property

   b. Hiring of a lead pastor

   c. Church discipline/restoration (Matthew 18:15-17)

   d. Teaching

 3.   Proclaiming the Gospel together in accountability.

 Church Covenant - Uniting around a covenant assists us in declaring the lifestyle that is demanded by the message we claim to believe. Everyone knows what it means to be a member in God’s family, what is expected of us when we join the church, and when we are falling short of fulfilling our covenant commitments.

 Hebrews 13:17 -  Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy …

 1 Tim. 5:9-10 - A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works….

 

IV. How does one become a member of MCC?

 1. Believe in Christ alone.

2. Go through the membership class and sign membership covenant.

3. Be publicly baptized.

 Psalm 1:3  - He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.

 2 Cor. 1:24 -  Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

 Transformation Verse   …as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.   Joshua 24:15  (Cross ref. Duet. 30:15-19, 1 Kings 18:21, Heb. 11:23-26)

 

 FAMILY FAITH SHEET 

Monday, 9-17-12 - Reflecting on Yesterday  

1. Review Sunday’s message with someone. Are you a member of MCC or anywhere else, why or why not?
2. Why do secular organizations  and “clubs” demand a public commitment like membership, paying dues, serving etc.? Is it ok with you that these organizations ask for more open commitment than most churches?
3. Read 2 Cor. 5:15. How could this verse apply to church membership?

Tuesday, 9-18-12 - Reflecting on this past Sunday

1. Read Romans 14:12 and Heb. 13:17. Why is evaluation and accountability in our lives so important to spiritual progress? Who are you accountable to on a regular basis?
2.  Do the leaders of MCC know you are part of “the flock” for which they are accountable? Why or why not?
3. Is a membership covenant the best way to for a local church to walk in unity, accountability and responsibility together or can you think of a better way?

 Wednesday, 9-19-12 - Reflecting on this past Sunday

1.  Read Psalm 1. What are the differences between the righteous and the wicked?

2. Notice the righteous are “planted” where God wants them. What difference does it make that you are planted in a specific local church and not just attending?

3. Discuss what reasons might drive Christians to “attend” a local church, but not be a member, be accountable to the leadership or make it clear through membership that they are fully committed to the church? Are these reasons valid Biblically?

 Thursday, 9-20-12 - Preparing for this Upcoming Sunday.

1. Read 2 Peter 1:1-9.  How can I know that I will mature in every area of my life if I rely on the Lord? (especially vs.3)

2. Read verses 5-7. What qualities does Peter mention for us to evaluate in our own lives? Which one is most needed in your life right now?

3. If we do not mature in these areas, what will be the result? (vs. 8)

Friday, 9-21-12 -  Preparing for this Sunday

1. Read Col 3:12-17. How is every believer described in vs. 12?

2. What qualities are we to “put on” 12-17?

3. What will be the result of this maturing? Vs. 17

 

Saturday, 9-22-12 -  Preparing for Tomorrow

1. Read Eph. 4:11-15. What, or who has God given the church to make sure we mature? (vs. 11-12)

2. How mature does God want us to be? (vs.13)

3. What results come from maturing? (14-16)

4. Pray for tomorrow’s service and God’s people.