Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ (Ephesians 4:15).
As we live into 2024, we are invited to consider our standing in God’s church. God has already done everything for us to grow and mature in the faith. Christ is the head of the church and the church is his body.
As with all families, there are certain expectations that we have for being a part of the family:
– that we participate in chores
– that we be fully present when with one another
– that we honor and love one another
Just as families have expectations for the family to function properly, there are expectations for church membership. These expectations are articulated in the Book of Order. Everyone who is a member took vows to abide by these expectations. We are encouraged to examine our faithfulness to the vows we took.
G-1.0402 Active Member
An active member is a person who has made a profession of faith in Christ, has been baptized, has been received into membership of the church, has voluntarily submitted to the government of this church, and participates in the church’s work and worship. In addition, active members participate in the governance of the church and may be elected to ordered ministry. Active members shall regularly, after prayerful consideration, recommit themselves to the disciplines and responsibilities of membership outlined in G-1.0304.
G-1.0304 The Ministry of Members
Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ’s mission. A faithful member bears witness to God’s love and grace and promises to be involved responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church. Such involvement includes:
- Proclaiming the good news in word and deed,
- Taking part in the common life and worship of a congregation,
- Lifting one another up in prayer, mutual concern, and active support,
- Studying Scripture and the issues of Christian faith and life,
- Supporting the ministry through the giving of money, time, and talents,
- Demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church,
- Responding to God’s activity in the world through service to others,
- Living responsibly in the person, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life,
- Working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment,
- Participating in the governing responsibilities of the church, and
- Reviewing and evaluating regularly the integrity of one’s membership, and considering ways in which one’s participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful.
As members, the minimal expectations are:
– that we regularly worship
– that we joyfully give
– that we serve God’s church
Christ’s church grows when we grow. Christ’s church impacts the world when we join in what God is already doing through his church. Membership matters because God impacts the world through his church.
Praxis: Faith in Action 