What about church membership?

Let us say at the outset what we understand membership to mean. To be a member of a club, one usually need only attend the meetings, pay the dues, and not embarrass the club. Many churches have accepted this definition of membership so that one need only attend church on Sunday, put something in the offering plate, and avoid any serious visible wrongs which would embarrass the church.

We are attempting to define membership in terms of a “body” instead of a club. The Bible describes individual Christians as members of the body of Christ. This description is found in Romans 12:4-8.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

One who is a member of the body functions to build up the rest of the body. To accomplish this, each member possesses God given gifts and abilities. Though differing in these gifts and abilities, God expects every member to work diligently and in harmony so that the body is well coordinated, functioning in unison.

So, what specifically must a person do to become a member of the Lowell Church of Christ?

1) A person must receive Jesus Christ into his or her life as described in the New Testament. That is, any person putting his faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, who demonstrates evidence of repentance by publicly stating his conviction that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and who is immersed (baptized) into Christ may become a member of this congregation.

If you have any questions or you don’t know where you stand in your relationship with God, please, make arrangements to talk with one of the church ministers. They will be more than happy to help you discover the answers to any questions you may have.

2) If you have taken this first step already, the next step is to make your decision to become a functioning member of this church known to the congregation.

Here are some important questions to consider as you make your decision to become an active member of the local church. “Is it your desire to function as a member of this body, using the gifts and abilities the Lord has given you to build up the body of Christ? Is it your desire to maintain a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, the head of His body? Will you regularly worship the Lord along with these believers? Will you contribute generously in the areas of time, talents and finances? Is it your desire to live a pure life and to witness Christ’s love along with the church to our community?”

You can expect from the Lowell Church of Christ a body of believers who will likewise support, encourage and build you up. You can expect the leaders to shepherd you with guidance and care enough for you to confront you when correction is needed.

Are you ready to accept the joys and challenges of membership in the body of Christ with the Lowell Church of Christ? Contact the church office to set up an appointment with one of the ministers today!