
 Preaching and Preachers
 Preaching and Preachers Meaningful Church Membership
 21 snips 
 Jul 28, 2025  Join Sam Bierig, Dean of Spurgeon College, Patrick Schreiner, New Testament studies expert, and Bret Capranica, veteran pastor, as they dive into the essentials of church membership. They discuss the cultural shifts impacting commitment, the compelling biblical basis for belonging, and how membership serves as spiritual protection. The panel offers insights on communal discipleship, and the importance of mutual accountability. Tune in for a rich conversation that redefines what it means to truly engage in a church community. 
 AI Snips 
 Chapters 
 Transcript 
 Episode notes 
Couple Who 'Shopped' Churches Weekly
- Jason described meeting a couple who rotated among services based on preference rather than membership.
- Their answer highlighted a consumer mindset that treats churches like weekend options.
Cultural Shift Reduces Membership Incentive
- Church membership is shifting from social benefit to social cost in many places, reducing cultural incentive to join.
- This change forces churches to more clearly articulate theological reasons for membership.
Technology Enables Noncommittal Attendance
- Technology and post-COVID patterns created an online attendance option that lets people 'attend' without committing.
- That convenience weakens local church membership and complicates care for members.

