Church Membership
First of all, Christian, you are thinking rightly when you desire to become a member of a local Church. When reading the New Testament, it does not appear that being a member of a local Church is optional. If you are a born again follower of Jesus, and there are other believers nearby, scripture commands you to assemble, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). To be a Christian is to be in community. To reject Christian community is to reject Christ’s teaching.
However, Christian community is more than just attendance. To be in the Church is to be under loving and watchful authority. Our culture has shunned the idea of formal authority within the local Church, and this position is counter-Biblical. Jesus himself speaks of the authority of the Church in Matthew 18:17, “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Likewise, Paul also speaks of the authority of the Church in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 we see, “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you.” We see it again in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”
To be obedient to Scripture, Christians should become members of a local congregation. In addition, Church membership is beneficial in your growth to become more Christ-like in your life.
Regarding membership at Cornerstone, we want to be clear about a few things before we start the journey.
As stated above, membership is a good thing, but more importantly it is a God thing. He has commanded it and it is for His glory and our good, so let us embrace membership and allow God’s grace to pour into our lives through the means of his Church.
If you desire to be a member and you have more questions, please contact Phil Parsons at phil.parsons@discoverjones.com.
However, Christian community is more than just attendance. To be in the Church is to be under loving and watchful authority. Our culture has shunned the idea of formal authority within the local Church, and this position is counter-Biblical. Jesus himself speaks of the authority of the Church in Matthew 18:17, “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Likewise, Paul also speaks of the authority of the Church in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 we see, “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you.” We see it again in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”
To be obedient to Scripture, Christians should become members of a local congregation. In addition, Church membership is beneficial in your growth to become more Christ-like in your life.
Regarding membership at Cornerstone, we want to be clear about a few things before we start the journey.
- Membership is not salvation. This should be obvious, but unfortunately for some it is not. Membership is something that comes after conversion, not before. First you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and then you become a member of a Church. Your name being written in the ledger of a Church’s membership list will not dictate your eternity. Your destiny is dictated solely upon whether you name is found in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was Slain. (Revelation 21:27).
- Salvation is required before membership. This is non-negotiable. To be a member and not be a Christian is being a wolf in sheep’s clothing. (Matthew 7:15) To be a member is to be someone that the Church can vouch for. By granting membership, Cornerstone Church is publicly declaring commitment to a person as a brother or sister in Christ. If Cornerstone Church is not persuaded that someone is a Christian by their testimony and a life that evidences gospel transformation, membership will not be granted.
- Membership is not a replacement of Baptism. Baptism is a God ordained sacrament that serves a very specific purpose. (Matthew 28:19) It is an outward proclamation of an inward spiritual reality. Baptism serves to proclaim to others and yourself that you have been crucified and resurrected with Christ. If you have given your life to Christ, you need to be baptized. This baptism will serve as a living and personal proclamation to you and to others of who you are in Christ. (Romans 6:1-4) Membership is not Baptism and Baptism is not membership. If you believe in Christ and have not been baptized, you will need to be baptized before becoming a member at Cornerstone Church.
- Membership is a covenant commitment. To become a member is to come under a covenant relationship with other believers. Membership is not casual. It is not to be taken lightly. It is not a contract that is easily broken and set aside. To become a member is to declare a commitment to live in fellowship, to encourage, to build up, to exhort, to rebuke…to love. Likewise, upon becoming a member, the Church commits itself to you, to welcome, to watch over, to be patient, to walk with each new member, day after day, week after week, year after year, and decade after decade. This covenant is built upon a promise, not circumstances. You cannot be a committed member if you casually attend and casually love. This is not what devotion to fellowship looks like. (Acts 2:42).
- Generally, Cornerstone holds annual membership classes in June of each year. This class consists of four meetings. Topics that are covered include personal testimonies, understanding what it means to be the Church, expectations of members, and spiritual gifting. Through the participation of potential members, the Elders of Cornerstone will evaluate each applicant and make recommendations to the current members for Church approval and admission.
As stated above, membership is a good thing, but more importantly it is a God thing. He has commanded it and it is for His glory and our good, so let us embrace membership and allow God’s grace to pour into our lives through the means of his Church.
If you desire to be a member and you have more questions, please contact Phil Parsons at phil.parsons@discoverjones.com.