Is Joining a Church Scriptural?

Membership in the Local Church

Although church membership is not specifically mentioned in scripture, it is found as a result of rightly dividing the truth. Membership defines and clarifies God’s people's identity. Beginning with the plagues in Exodus, God declares a distinction between peoples:

Exodus 11:7: "But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel."

Exodus 8:22-23: " And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.

And I will put a division between my people and thy people: tomorrow shall this sign be.”

“My people” indicates an ownership or separation from others. Uniting with the local flock is a step of separation from the world. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began the creation of distinct, visible churches.

2 Corinthians 6:14: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"  (See also 2 Cor 6:15-17)

Paul’s guidance provides a blueprint for peace in marriage, emphasizing the critical distinction between believers and non-believers within the church. We're called to distance ourselves from worldly values, as the church's teachings set us apart. This clear boundary should be evident to all.

Becoming a member signifies our commitment to God and acceptance of the church's doctrine, beliefs, and practices. Like marriage, we wouldn't commit to someone who opposes our morals. Our pledge ensures others can trust us to uphold the church covenant, including living a holy life, attending services, praying for each other, supporting church discipline, and growing in truth and love.

Membership keeps us united and protected under the shepherd's care. Shepherds feed and watch over the flock; sheep need a group for safety. We are members “one of another.”

Ephesians 4:25: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

1 Corinthians 12:27: "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

Membership enables ministry. Bearing one another’s burdens, encouraging, and exhorting one another requires togetherness. Those kindred spirits are the prime recipients of our efforts. Local church membership prioritizes the saints within our community. Belonging to a local church is vital for effective ministry. It enables us to support and encourage one another, share burdens, and provoke unto good works. (Heb 10:24) Church membership and participation is essential for growing and strengthening our Christian faith.

Membership is also necessary for church discipline. Matthew 18:17 instructs the offended to take the matter second to the church. It should be clear this is speaking of the local assembly:

1 Corinthians 5:12-13: "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians demonstrate that the community had an established identifiable membership. They had a method to distinguish insiders from outsiders. This is emphasized in 2 Corinthians 2:5-6, where they address the reinstatement of a disciplined member upon his repentance.

Membership ensures elders are accountable to God:

Hebrews 13:17: “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation…”

Pastors and elders are tasked with overseeing the sheep.  They can’t do this if they don’t know who and where those sheep are.  1 Peter 5:2-3 instructs elders to:

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof…”

This highlights the presence of numerous individual flocks, each with local elders who oversee those who have chosen to become part of their community of believers. Joining a local flock symbolizes an individual's love and commitment to God.  By publicly professing faith in the finished work of Christ, individuals show their willingness to submit to the authority and leadership of Jesus, and to the pastoral guidance of the local Elder, who serves as an under-shepherd.

Brother Royce Ellis