CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN THE BIBLE

NOTE: The Scripture references are hyper-linked to an online Bible so that they are more accessible for you to read - just hover over the reference and it will be displayed in full.

​When we look to Scripture, we see the church functioning as groups of believers devoted in fellowship to one another [Acts 2:42], in local assemblies [1 Cor 1:2] [Col 1:2] [1 Thess 1:1-2], under the loving care and instruction of biblically qualified elders and deacons [Acts 20:28]  [Phil 1:1]  [1 Pet 5:2-3]  [Heb 13:7]. The word translated as 'fellowship' in the New Testament is the Greek word koinonia, which speaks of joint participation and community. God intends believers to know, and be known in the local church, within mutually submissive, inter-dependent, accountable and meaningful relationships [Eph 5:21]  [1 Cor 12:21]  [Heb 10:24-25]  [1 Thess 5:11]. Our corporate fellowship is simply an expression of this. However, these kinds of relationships cannot function effectively when believers drift from church to church or attend only occasionally as “long term” visitors with no intention to commit to a church family. In light of these things, we believe the pattern in Scripture is that of believers not just "going" to a church, but rather "belonging" to a church. 

​Since the church is made up of God's people, membership simply describes the commitment believers are to have towards their brothers and sisters in the local church as they seek to carry out the "one anothers" in Scripture, and as they are equipped for the work of ministry, each doing their share [Eph 4:11-16]. Those who lead in the church need to know who they are accountable for, and those they are accountable for need to know who their leaders are [Heb 13:17]. Additionally, without a meaningful church membership, a local church cannot protect its members through the practice of loving and patient church discipline in the event that this is required [Matt 18:15-17] [1 Cor 5].

In conclusion, although church membership is not specifically commanded in Scripture, we believe it is strongly implied, for good and beneficial reasons. This is why we have a formal church membership here at CBC.  ​  

RELATED TEACHINGS

The Priority of the Local Church - Part 1
The Priority of the Local Church - Part 2
The Vision and Mission of CBC
CBC - What We Believe and Teach