A common question people have is how they become members of St. Timothy. The following article gives a general outline. The pastor will answer your questions further.
What is Church Membership?
Church “membership” is God’s way of caring for the spiritual welfare of His people, His believers. From a Biblical standpoint, anyone who believes and confesses what we believe and confess, who gathers together with us to hear Christ’s word and partake of the Lord’s supper, and who is ministered to by our pastor, is in fact a member of this congregation.
Scripture does not actually define a specific process by which someone is put on a membership list. Instead God lays out some principles by which he cares for us spiritually through pastors and through other Christians. The process of “church membership,” is just a way we recognize what God is accomplishing through His church, and a way we avoid misunderstandings. Let’s look at the principles God gives us in the Bible:
God wants people to place their faith and hope for salvation in Christ Jesus.
[God] "will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." I Tim. 2:4
The first and most important "church membership" is membership in the Holy Christian Church, the church made up of all believers in Jesus Christ as Son of God and our own Savior.
God wants us to grow in our knowledge of His word.
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." II Peter 3:18 "Search the Scriptures," Jesus said. John 5:39 "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17
A Christian, a person who has come to a saving knowledge of Christ, wants to learn more, and to be kept in the faith. Providing opportunities to grow in the word is the central purpose of Christian congregations.
God wants us to remain in association with other Christians, and to worship together on a regular basis.
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." Heb. 10:25 "They continued steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers." Acts 2:42
It is for our benefit that God wants us to associate with other Christians. Through our fellowship we encourage one another in faith and life.
God wants pastors to accept spiritual responsibility for us, and for us to recognize it.
To the pastors God says, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Ghost has made you the overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with His own blood." Acts 20:28
To individuals, God says, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over your souls as men who must give account." Heb 13:17
The authority God mentions is not rulership as we think of it, but the authority of God's word, which faithful pastors teach.
It is God's will that we join with other Christians who uphold God's word in every part.
"I urge you brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." Rom. 16:17 "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine . . ." Acts 2:42
When we join a Christian congregation we want to make sure that it teaches only what is clearly taught in the Bible. No more, no less. This means that we will want to take some time to examine the teachings (sometimes called doctrines) of that church.
It is God's will that we are properly instructed and informed before we take part in communion.
"A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup, for anyone who eats or drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” 1 Corinthians 11:28.
Part of being a member of a congregation is that we take part in the Lord's supper; the administration of the Lord's Supper is something which He Himself has instituted. Part of instruction for joining a Christian congregation is to be sure that we follow God's will in all work and worship, including the Lord's Supper.
How are these Principles Applied at St. Timothy?
- In order for the pastor to know which people are his spiritual responsibility, and so that we do not presume upon people, interested individuals request membership. (The pastor has a form for this purpose.) Most people wait until they have become familiar with the teachings of our church before they request membership, since the request indicates our agreement together in doctrine.?
- There is some form of instruction in the teachings of the Lutheran church. Most people elect to attend the "Search the Scripture Hour," a study of Christian teachings. This involves absolutely no obligation. Since some people come with a broad background in the Christian faith, the pastor may just spend some time going over the specific characteristics of the Lutheran church and only review the other parts of Scripture.?
- Some people have been instructed in another church that is in fellowship with St. Timothy, that teaches the same things. When this is the case, a person joins St. Timothy by transfer of membership.?
- Often people have not been baptized at the time they desire to become members of a Christian church. If they have come to believe in Christ as their savior, they will be instructed in what God's word says about baptism and they and their children are baptized. A person baptized in a church is a baptized member unless and until they join another congregation.?
- In the induction of new members, new members are provided an opportunity to declare their agreement with the doctrines of God's word taught at St. Timothy, and are officially welcomed as members. They then possess all the privileges of membership.?
- Sometimes people leave the church for various reasons. Should they desire to join the church again, they will, just like new members, indicate their desire to join, their agreement with the teachings of the Lutheran church, and their willingness to take part in the privileges and responsibilities of membership. This reinstatement is the same as the induction of new members, and usually no distinction is made.?
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This brief overview is given so that you will seriously consider the importance of church membership, and so that you will feel welcome to become a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Of course, the pastor will be happy to meet with you and to answer any questions you may have.