Understanding Membership
The Local Church
When a person receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are born again and become part of the Body of Christ ―worldwide. Regardless of their age, ethnicity or residence, they are now a Christian and part of the physical representation of Jesus Christ here on earth.
When the New Testament of the Bible was written, it addressed, primarily, Christians who were actively involved with one another in local churches. God gave us the local church blueprint to show us how to join with other Christians to edify and love one another through connection and fellowship.
In this environment, Christians can be equipped to become passionate disciples of Jesus Christ who skillfully do the work of ministry. No matter where you live, if there is a local church, God has given each congregation a pastor who is called by God and charged with the responsibility of providing servant leadership through love, instruction and admonishment. Then, through the pastor’s leadership, we can present a unified Christian witness to our community and abroad.
Where are the Scriptures?
Hebrews 10:25
… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 13:7
Remembering those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct… Hebrews 13: 17
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. |
