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Church Membership

Why Church Membership? Fellowship

We cannot be completely obedient to all of Scripture if we are not intentionally and covenantally pursuing deep fellowship with one another in general, but also inter-generationally with older and younger people.

In other words, in order to be obedient as Whole-Bible Christians, we must commit ourselves as a member of a local body so that we can practice intergenerational discipleship. This means, we must be pursuing the hard work of getting to know someone older and/or younger than us. Then and only then, are we able to obey many of the intergenerational commands in Scripture.

Further, to deny others the privilege and responsibility of pursuing fellowship with you (and others) can be a form of disobedience.

Leaving a church because “no one talks to me” simply shows that not only are the others at that church disobedient but so are you. One-anothering is a two way street.

Bible passages essential for us to understand and develop healthy relationships by knowing we are called to One Another:

  • Love one another: John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; Romans 12:10; 13:8; 14:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 3:22; 4:8; 23; 4:7, 11-12; 2 John 1: 5
  • Serve one another: Galatians 5:13; 21; Philippians 2:3; 1 Peter 4:9; 5:5
  • Accept one another: Romans 15:7, 14
  • Strengthen one another: Romans 14:19
  • Help one another: Hebrews 3:13; 10:24
  • Encourage one another: Romans 14:19; 15:14; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25
  • Care for one another: Galatians 6:2
  • Forgive one another: Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
  • Submit to one another: Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5
  • Commit to one another: 1 John 3:16
  • Build trust with one another: 1 John 1:7
  • Be devoted to one another: Romans 12:10
  • Be patient with one another: Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13
  • Be interested in one another: Philippians 2:4
  • Be accountable to one another: Ephesians 5:21
  • Confess to one another: James 5:16
  • Live in harmony with one another: Romans 12:16
  • Do not be conceited to one another: Romans 13:8
  • Do not pass judgment to one another: Romans 14:13; 15:7
  • Do not slander one another: James 4:11
  • Instruct one another: Romans 16:16
  • Greet one another: Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:12
  • Admonish one another: Romans 5:14; Colossians 3:16
  • Spur one another on toward love and good deeds: Hebrews 10:24
  • Meet with one another: Hebrews 10:25
  • Agree with one another: 1 Corinthians 16:20
  • Be concerned for one another: Hebrews 10:24
  • Be humble to one another in love: Ephesians 4:2
  • Be compassionate to one another: Ephesians 4:32
  • Do not be consumed by one another Galatians 5:14-15
  • Do not anger one another: Galatians 5:26
  • Do not lie to one another: Colossians 3:9
  • Do not grumble to one another: James 5:9
  • Give preference to one another: Romans 12:10
  • Be at peace with one another: Romans 12:18
  • Sing to one another: Ephesians 5:19
  • Be of the same mind to one another: Romans 12:16; 15:5
  • Comfort one another: 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11
  • Be kind to one another: Ephesians 4:32
  • Live in peace with one another: 1 Thessalonians 5:13
  • Carry one another’s burdens: Galatians 6:2

3 replies on “Why Church Membership? Fellowship”

I’ve always understood scripture to mean that once you become a Christian, you become a member of the Body of Christ. You then should not forsake the gathering together of the body. You should regularly attend. However, formal membership of a local body by signing a form or making an oath is not a scriptural requirement. It seems that all of the benefits you describe above can come from regular church attendance without any need for a formal church membership. Is scripture incomplete in that it left out an important detail: formal church membership?

Good question. I have some other articles coming in the next few weeks which should help in the discussion.

Yes, Scripture does not explicitly state, “thou shalt be a part of local church body through formal church membership.”

With that said, though, when all of the reasons I (will) present are weighed, I cannot see how formal church membership is not the proper conclusion.

Stay tuned for the next few articles over the next few weeks. And thanks for taking the time to interact and comment!

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