THE ROLE OF A CHURCH MEMBER

When you become a member of a church, you enter the status of servant. You are to serve the body of Christ, his church. Membership is a privilege and honor - to be a member of Christ's body and be identified with him. The purpose of the church for members is not about our comfort, our inspiration or our desires. We are to strive to reach those who do not know Christ. We are to pray for and work faithfully with our pastors, the designated spiritual leaders of the church. We are to be committed to unity and bringing joy to the heart of God. We are to outdo ourselves in fulfilling the mission of the church. Somewhere along the way, the people of God called church members got it backwards. We began to think that being a member meant that the church was here to serve us and meet our needs. This is not scriptural! This is not Methodist and it does not honor our Lord, Jesus Christ. Church members are to pray for the church, to be active in worship, to grow spiritually through small groups and serve according to their spiritual gifts. Members are to give financially the tithe, which is 10% of our income and the beginning point of giving according to the New Testament. Many Christians see tithing as a goal or an option. This is just not true and is a game we play with God and the church. We want the church to teach the Biblical truth about prayer, grace, mercy and even judgment. Yet we are fine with ignoring the parts about tithing and high expectations for servants of the Lord.

I believe the church of the future will have more attendees than members because people avoid expectations and commitment. I want to lead a church where people take their vows seriously and seek to outdo one another in service. Yes, that is a real church!