Yes! Church membership is in the Bible and is an imporant element in the life of the Christian! Throughout the letters of the New Testament we read that the early church was devoted to gathering together and warned about neglecting to gather together (Heb. 10:25). But just because gathering together of Christians was the norm, is membership biblical and important?
It's true, the phrase "church membership" does not appear in the New Testament. However, it is biblical. Church membership is woven throughout the letters of the New Testament. John idicates there were some "of us" and some who were "not of us" (1 John 2:19). Widows were meant to be "enrolled" to ensure they were cared for (1 Timothy 5:9). Pastors were called to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you (1 Peter 5:2)." Although we don't see the exact phrase in the Bible, church membership is implied throughout. Without it, many of the commands cannot be obeyed.
It is through membership in a local church that Christians experience the love and joy offered by Christ Jesus through the family of faith. The church has been given the privilege and responsibility to walk with one another in brotherly love, to encourage one another towards Christlikeness, to warn one another of sin and temptation, to bear one anothers burdens in love, and so much more. It is in the church that the Christian experiences the deep community that comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ and points us towards Jesus Christ.
It is through membership in a local church that Christians are able to be obedient towards the commands of Scripture. Throughout the New Testament writings, the church is told to act in certain ways towards one another. We are called to "love one another," "encourage one another," "bear one another's burdens," "confess sins to one another," "accept one another," and the list could go on and on. It is through the committed community of the church that we are to carry out these commands so that the church would "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ (Ephesians 4:15)."
It is through the commitment to a local church that Christians have accountability and pastoral care. Christians are told to "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17)." Jesus, who is our Chief Shepherd, has given under-shepherds to take care of his people as they reflect his humility and care (1 Peter 5:1-4). So, we receive the care of faithful pastors, but we also receive the accountability of the congregation of the church. Jesus gave authority to the pastors to watch over souls, but he also gave authority to the congregation to help one another pursue the Kingdom by not persisting in sin. The church has the loving duty of chasing those who are straying away from the hope to which we have been called!
First, fill out a membership application online. If applicable, Pillar will request a reference from your previous church.
Second, meet with a pastor. Once the reference has been received, a membership interview will be scheduled with the pastor.
Third, attend Pillar's membership class. Membership classes are typically offered on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons. You will also be presented to the church as a prospective member.
Fourth, be welcomed in! After a short period of time, you will make membership vows before the congregation and they will make vows to you as they vote to receive you into membership.