Practical: Church Membership - What's the Point?

Reaching the Generations for Jesus

Central Baptist has over 550 members, most of them over the age of 30. Why do young people not become church members? It could be ignorance of the issues, apathy or simply not seeing the point of it all. Hopefully, this article can answer a few of your questions.

Q. What does the Bible say about church membership?
A. The Bible is very clear that involvement in, and commitment to, a local church are essential for Christians. Throughout the New Testament, the pattern of the Christians is to meet in local congregations (e.g. Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Timothy 3:15). At some points we are commanded to do so (e.g. Hebrews 10:25). Having said that, it is true that the Bible nowhere requires membership of a church. In fact, in Biblical times there was no such thing. However, the Biblical principle is that the church is a family and a unit. Church membership is a way of becoming involved in the church and in demonstrating a commitment to the church.

Q. I'm committed to our church, so what difference does it make if I am a member or not?
A. There are a number of key differences between the simply committed people and the actual church member:
Members have the right to vote at church meetings. This is possibly not the most exciting thing you've ever been able to do, but it does allow you to have a say in what the church does and how it functions. In particular, church members alone can approve the church's budget and where funds get allocated, only church members can vote for deacons and elders (and pastors when a pastor is to be called), only church members can raise queries and make proposals about any issue at a church meeting. If you would like to have a voice in the way that our church is run and the things that it does, you need to have a vote, and to have a vote, you need to be church member.
Although the church provides support and care for everyone, the church has a special responsibility towards it's members who are in need. Members who wish to make use of the church's facilities or ministries are given priority over non-members. A knowledge of which people are willing to publicly associate themselves with the church by becoming members assists the church leadership in planning and effectively running the church.
Some of the departments of the church (e.g. Family Bible Hour) require you to be a church member before you can become involved. Most other departments require only the leaders to be church members. All pastors, elders and deacons must also be church members.

(NOTE: Central Baptist, Pretoria, is a UNIVERSITY CHURCH - situated less than one kilometre away from a major campus)
Q. I won't be in Pretoria for more than a few years, so isn't it really a waste of time becoming a member? In addition, I have a home church in another town, and I'm a member there, so can I become a member of Central?
A. Especially for students, a stay in Pretoria can be for a limited time, and therefore feel membership is unimportant. If you are a member of another church, your membership can be transferred while you study. However, most students will prefer to keep their original church membership. If you are not a member at any church, then all of the above arguments still apply. Your membership can be transferred back to a church in your home town when you move. Your involvement in the church for the few years you may be in Pretoria can be very rewarding and beneficial.

(NOTE: The following section relates specifically to Central Baptist's requirements for membership)
Q. How can I become a member?
A. Any person over the age of 16, who is a Christian and has been baptised can become a member. To become a member, you must attend a six week New Members' Class which is run four times per year, for an hour per Sunday for six consecutive Sundays, either in the morning (9am) or afternoons (5pm). These classes give background to the church and to Christianity, help you discover your spiritual gifts and then explain and direct you to the relevant ministries in the life of the church. After filling in an application form, an interview will be arranged with a pastor or elder. Thereafter the elders recommend your name to the Church Executive who make the final decision regarding your acceptance as a member. If you are already a member of a church, or have been involved in our church or another Baptist church for some time, arrangements can be made regarding some of these requirements, especially the new members' classes.