Theology on the Go What's So Important About Church Membership?
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Jan 20, 2025 Join Jonathan Landry Cruse, a pastor and author from Community Presbyterian Church, as he unpacks the significance of church membership. He argues that membership is a vital biblical principle and an opportunity for believers to experience grace and accountability. Cruse addresses common objections, emphasizing the blessings membership offers, such as pastoral care and protection from spiritual drift. He also reflects on cultural attitudes toward membership and discusses practical member responsibilities that foster community and growth.
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Membership Is Biblically Presumed
- Formal association with God's people is continuous from Israel into the New Covenant and underlies New Testament church life.
- The New Testament presumes defined local groups and leaders responsible for those specific people.
Scripture Hints At Concrete Membership
- New Testament mentions individuals and numbers in churches, implying people were known and counted as part of local congregations.
- References like Epaphras and numerical additions in Acts suggest a concrete membership reality.
Don't Leave Membership Over Hurt
- Do not abandon church membership because of past hurts; the church is the ordained place God uses for healing and growth.
- Receive preaching and eldership as means of grace meant to protect and grow you in holiness.
