Throughout the book of Acts the Apostle Paul’s aim was to plant churches, not just convert isolated, independent individuals. Acts 14:23 “Appointed elders in every church…” Acts 15:41 “He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches…” Acts 16:5 “So the churches were strengthened in the faith…” The metaphors used to describe the church exhibit interconnection and interdependence and they cannot refer solely to the universal church (all Christians). It is impossible to be “family” or part of the same “body” with people we do not know or are not in direct proximity with. God chose these particular metaphors [...]

Church membership allows the pastors/elders to know who they are ultimately responsible for. In Scripture they were responsible for specific sheep (i.e. the flock). It is for this flock that pastors will have to give an account before Jesus Christ (Heb 13:17). To give an account, pastors/elders must know who they are accountable for. They cannot be responsible for everyone, but only those who are part of their flock. 1 Peter 5:2 “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you…not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” Acts 20:28 “Pay careful attention to [...]

It is evident that the church was not a random collection of individuals who happened to gather once or twice a week. There was a common commitment to, and mutual dependence on, other followers of Christ in the context of a local church. Acts 2:42-47 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers…and all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple [...]

The Bible uses the word church to describe the way in which the early Christians lived and were organized. From the beginning, we see that the local church is primary to God’s purposes. Acts 8:1 “There arose on that day a great persecution against the church…” Acts 11:22 “The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem…” Acts 11:26 “For a whole year they met with the church…” Acts 12:1 “Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church…” Acts 12:5 “Earnest prayer for him was made to God by the [...]

Becoming a member of a church is not like becoming a member of your local gym, country club, or grocery store. Rather, to become a member of a church is to formally covenant and commit yourself to God’s people, in Christ, in a local context. Church membership is a tangible way of demonstrating that you are a member of the household of God (Eph 2:19), a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27), and a partner in the gospel (Phil. 1:5) by faith in the person and work of Jesus. In Christ, we are spiritually united; the [...]