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In addressing the subject of church membership we have suggested two distinct approaches. The first option is similar to country club membership where we join the church to see what we can get out of it. The pastor is to feed us through sermons. The music must fit our tastes. The
programs and ministries are for our benefit. As members we expect perks, privileges and service.

The second option to church membership is the biblical option that sees membership as a gift, something to be treasured. Membership means we have the opportunity to serve and give rather than the legalistic obligation to do so. Our entire attitude is different when we approach
membership the biblical way.

When we repent of our sins and place our faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of salvation. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). When we receive the gift of salvation, we become part of the body of
Christ. Just before the apostle Paul lists some of the gifts of the Spirit, he writes these words: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it, And God has placed these in the church: (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).

Do you see what has taken place? You received a gift, the free gift of salvation. That gift includes forgiveness of sins by Christ’s death on the cross. It includes adoption by God the Father. It includes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And it includes becoming a part of the body of Christ.

Yes! Membership in the body of Christ, the church, is a gift from God. It is not a legalistic obligation. It is not country club perks. It is not a license for entitlements. It is a gift. A gift from God. A gift must be treasured. It should not be taken for granted or considered lightly. Because it is a gift, we must always be thankful for it.

When we receive a gift with true appreciation, we naturally want to respond to the Giver. We, therefore, see service to God as a natural outflow of the joy of our salvation and the joy of our church membership. We consider it a privilege to serve the King, so we look for those opportunities at the church where we serve.

When we receive a gift, we respond with appreciation to the Giver’s entire family. Other church members who have received the gifts of salvation are adopted sons and daughters of God just as you are. They are not perfect, just as you are not perfect. However, because of your
abundant joy from receiving the gift of salvation, you serve other church members with that same joy. Healthy church membership means that you find your joy in being last, instead of seeking your way to be first. Never forget the words of Jesus: “Whoever wants to become great
among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be you slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28).

The Fifth Pledge
I Am a Church Member

Church membership is a gift. When I received the free gift of
salvation through Jesus Christ, I became a part of the body of
Christ. I am humbled and honored to serve and to love others
in our church. I pray that I will never take my membership
for granted, but see it as a gift and an opportunity to serve
others and to be a part of something so much greater than any
one person or member.

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Sign and Date
(Material used with permission from “I am a Church Member” by Thom S. Rainer.)