Church Membership

This brief note explains:

• Why we think it is biblical
• Why it is important for Christians to be committed to a church as members
• What membership at CBC means
• How to become a church member

Why do you have a formal church membership?

Some churches have a very informal system of membership, but we have a formal church membership because of what the Bible teaches about the nature of the church and of being a Christian. We believe that a formal church membership is the best way of implementing that vision practically so that we can be the kind of church community Jesus wants us to be. The less formal arrangement means that people can consider themselves to be church members without actually committing themselves in any way and without being accountable for their lifestyle and actions; while this may seem more open and inclusive, we believe that it avoids some important aspects of biblical membership.

Where is formal church membership in the Bible?

Here are some biblical principles and practice on which a church membership system is based.

• Individual Christians are expected to be part of a local church that is their spiritual home and community (Acts 2:42-47).
• The Christian life is to be lived in community (Ephesians 4:2-3; Philippians 1:27; Hebrews 10:25).
• In some places the church is compared to: a household (1 Timothy 3:15); a temple building (Ephesians 2:19-22); a body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) and a family (Galatians 6:10).

Each of these pictures suggests people who are closely bound together and recognisably committed to one another.

What difference would being a member make to me?

• Being a member means you have taken a significant step of commitment to the church and identification with the church family. That is a practically meaningful way of obeying Jesus' command for us to love one another (John 13:34).
• It means that you have shown you are committed to the whole church, not just your group of friends.
• It means that you know that the other church members are committed to you in Christian love.
• It means that you have put yourself under the pastoral leadership and care of the elders: you know they are committed to serving you, to promoting your spiritual health and to helping you when times are hard.
• It means that you can take your part in the decisions that shape the church’s direction, such as new leaders, new staff, budgets and other significant matters, through the church meeting.

What difference would my being a member make to CBC?

• A defined membership enables the leaders and other members to know that you are committed to the church and that we have a special duty of care to you.
• A defined membership enables you to take your part in the decision-making of the church. This provides a proper check so that the elders cannot exercise unlimited authority or act without consulting the wisdom of the church membership.
• A defined membership also allows church discipline to be exercised.

What are the expectations for church members?

• Come to at least one Sunday service a week (unless away or unwell!) (Hebrews 10:25).
• Care for others in the church (1 Peter 4:8-10; Romans 12:15).
• Be connected to a midweek homegroup (Acts 2:46-47).
• Be involved in at least one ministry in the church (1 Corinthians 12:8-27).
• Maintain a lifestyle in line with the ethical teaching of the Bible (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
• Give regularly (1 Timothy 6:17-18; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
• Respect the leadership (Hebrews 13:17).
• Keep the peace in the church and resolve relational tensions biblically (Ephesians 4:2-3; Matthew 18:15-17).
• Pray for one another in the church membership – ‘all the saints’ (Ephesians 6:18-20).
• Be involved in the church’s corporate decision making (Acts 6:2-6). A document explaining how we make decisions, such as electing elders and deacons, is available on request.

How can I become a member?

We would love to discuss membership with you and be able to welcome you into membership. If you have not yet been baptised as a believer, we can discuss that with you too. Please have a word with the pastor or another elder. Alternatively, use our contact page or fill out one of our welcome cards.