Church Membership Is Important

The “model” or “template” for how churches organize and manage themselves has changed a lot in the last several decades.  The results can be either positive and negative.  When I was a kid, even first-time visitors to church were sort of expected to wear “church clothes,” which meant a suit and tie for men, and a Sunday dress for women.  Recognizing that this might create a stumbling block for non-Christians, most churches these days have relaxed such expectations.  Another area where many churches have become more relaxed is the idea of membership.  Many congregations are satisfied if people will just attend regularly – a formal membership process is not placed in high regard at all.  In my opinion, this will have a negative long-term effect on the church (we may already be seeing it).

The New Testament contains twenty-one epistles, or letters.  Of those twenty-one, at least ten of them were specifically written to one specific church body.  Another five of them were written to multiple groups of Christians, probably meant to be passed around from one congregation to another.  Only four of them were written to individuals, and those individuals were mostly church leaders.  (These are all general estimates, based on my own study and understanding.)  What’s my point?  The New Testament knows nothing of a Christian who only attends a weekly worship gathering but is not completely dedicated to that local church body and held in authority and accountability under those whom God has called to lead His churches.  If you simply attend church but are not bonded in covenant with the church through membership, you are missing a tremendous blessing that comes through such a commitment to serve others regardless of the circumstance.  It is similar to the difference between a couple who is simply dating and the life-time commitment of a couple who is married and growing together as they become one flesh (Mark 10:7-9).

So how do you join in membership at Lakewood?  You have probably noticed that we do not have “invitations” or “alter calls” as a regular part of worship service.  I feel that our time is better served by meeting one-on-one during the week, either in my study at the church, or at a place of your choosing.  This way we are not incumbered by the constraints of time and having to speak to one another over the sound of music being played.  We can take our time, ask and answer questions of one another, pray together, and better honor these matters of the Lord and His work which has such eternal significance.  As part of our continued conversation, if you desire to join in membership with Lakewood, we will present that decision to the congregation on the following Sunday morning, or the next Wednesday night members’ meeting.  Upon becoming the pastor of Lakewood, I no longer make any attempt to guard my personal cell number or email address.  I gladly post it and publicize it wherever it is appropriate, and I actually try to answer every single call because, it might be you calling me!

Seriously – please call, text, or email me.  I’d love to know you better, and know how I can better serve you, and how the entire congregation of Lakewood can better serve you.

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce

615-545-582