steps to becoming a member

Ready to become an official member of Bethany Bible Church? Learn how to become a member.

Why become a member of Bethany Bible Church?

In these days of flighty, noncommittal attitudes among the general population, it is easy for believers to get caught up in those attitudes. We believe that membership in the local church opposes this mindset. After all, we are already members of the universal body of Christ, as Paul says, “we are members of His body.” Ephesians 5:30

Membership in the local church is an important part of our Christian walk. The first thing Paul attempted to do as a new convert after arriving in Jerusalem was to join himself to the other disciples. We know this was more than a casual adherence because of the very strong word “join” which means, “to hold or cling to; to adhere, glue or cement to.” This gives us an idea of the importance of being “joined” to (becoming members) of a local assembly.

The Bible gives several other reasons Christians should be members of the church.

· We have the example of the early church. The Bible knows nothing of people coming to Christ and not coming to the church.  The very idea of confessing Christ and experiencing salvation without being in a church, is foreign to the NT. (See: Acts 2:41, 47; 5:14; 16:5)

· We see also the example of under shepherds of God’s church. Church membership allows for a definite difference in the church between members at large and those who are leaders (elders). (See: Hebrews 13:17)

· We see that there is a definite call for church discipline. This lends itself to support church membership because those who are members have placed themselves under the authority of the church. Members have covenanted to watch over each other’s souls. (See: Matthew 18: 15-17; 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 3:10-11)

· Last, we see that church membership enhances the need and command for mutual edification of the body. Each member using their spiritual giftedness to encourage other members to walk in the ways of Christ so His work on earth goes forward. (See: Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:24-25

Much is expected. Much is at stake, because individual believers that make up the membership of the church, is Christ’s representative on earth. Membership makes the believer visible in the church. It makes a powerful statement of commitment in a low-commitment word. It puts checks and balances on the idea of personal independence. Church membership keeps us accountable, encourages the shepherds and gives every believer the opportunity to make and keep their promises of service to Christ.

Our prayer is that you will seriously pray about becoming a member in the church God leads you to. Maybe that will be Bethany Bible Church. God bless you!