An essay I submitted for M-5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, May 1, 2024.
Introduction
The essay emphasizes the profound sense of belonging and unity that church membership, a vital aspect of biblical theology, provides believers. I will delve into four distinct topics to flesh out this church doctrine. The topics are (i) defining a church, (ii) defining church membership, (iii) describing the relationship between the congregation’s and the elders’ authority, and (iv) why healthy membership requires healthy leadership.
A Church is…
The Church is both universal and local. The universal church takes precedence theologically, as it unifies all believers in Christ and is invisible. New Christians become members through the Gospel. The local church is formed by members of the universal church united by faith. They assemble in one locale and are bound by an agreement. They must also agree on biblical doctrine, the church ordinances of baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Furthermore, they establish a guiding governance that guides their relationships with one another and the world. This local church meets regularly and is visible.
The local church is a unifying force that brings together its members as one body in Christ. This institution was given its authority directly from Jesus, and the keys of the kingdom represent its power. Through these keys, the church has the authority to bind and loose what is on earth, and those decisions are then bound and loosed in heaven. This binding and loosening refer to the elements of the gospel, which are the confession and the confessor. The confession is the spoken proclamation of believing that Jesus is God incarnate and is our Redeemer because He bore the weight of our sins by dying on the cross, being buried, and rising up three days later, as Scripture says. The confessor is the new believer who is now part of the universal church. The local church affirms the believer’s salvation by bringing them into the church as part of the body of Christ and an outward sign to the world.
The church is a sacred place given to us by God, where we can fulfill our duties as disciples. These duties include committing ourselves to Jesus and discipling other Christians. We are like individual body parts, responsible to the other body parts. The church teaches the gospel and the teachings of Jesus, providing opportunities for baptism and partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Church membership is not an organizational process but a spiritual journey that adds the missing body parts to the body of Christ.
Church Membership Explained
Church membership is a formal covenantal commitment a baptized believer makes to the church. This commitment is a two-way street, as the church also makes a formal covenantal commitment to the believer. This mutual commitment creates a relationship of trust, accountability, and support between the believer and the church. By becoming a member, the believer says they are committed to the church’s mission and vision and willing to invest their time, talents, and resources in the church community. In turn, the church promises to provide spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and a supportive community for the believer. This covenantal commitment is a foundational aspect of church membership and is essential for building a strong and healthy church community.
Church membership can raise some underlying issues that need to be addressed. For instance, some identify as evangelical free agents, searching for a church that meets their needs and preferences. On the other hand, some individuals feel that they are above church membership because they believe their theological beliefs are superior to others. Unfortunately, this often reflects an unhealthy theology. Another issue is that some people lack saving grace, meaning they have not experienced a personal relationship with God. Finally, some churches have a sloppy approach to membership, leading to confusion and unclear expectations and responsibilities.
Church membership is not merely a formal concept but a personal commitment that sets God’s people apart. In the Old Testament, Israel had circumcision and diet to distinguish themselves as God’s chosen people. Similarly, in the New Testament, church membership serves as a marker, identifying believers as part of God’s family. This commitment is not just to the church but to God, and it’s a testament to the believer’s faith and devotion. Church membership also plays a crucial role in church discipline, enabling believers to be held accountable and supported in their spiritual journey. It is a tangible expression of God’s work, evident in various aspects of church life.
Membership is not just a formality but a necessary step for faithful pastoral care and the administration of the Lord’s Supper. It provides a way to call out a pastor and stimulate and encourage one another. It is essential to administer the Lord’s Supper, which fulfills the New Testament picture of believers united as one in Christ. These markers of church membership are not just rules but tools that help to identify, protect, and promote the unity and growth of God’s people. They are the building blocks of a strong and thriving church community, and each member plays a crucial role in this process.
Congregation’s and the Church Leadership’s Authority Relationship
The congregation’s authority and church leadership’s (called elders) authority are shared responsibilities to bring glory to Jesus’s kingdom. Both offices are ordained by Christ and are necessary for a church to function as Jesus intended. However, elders have a unique position because they are both part of the congregation’s authority as church members and the church leadership’s authority as affirmed elders. Also, the congregation is commanded to obey and submit to their leaders (Heb 13:17). The “leaders” in this verse also means shepherds or overseers such as elders (pastors are included as elders).
The congregation has been given authority that was ordained by Jesus himself. This authority includes the keys to the Kingdom, which allow the congregation to affirm believers for baptism and to affirm or deny elders. The ultimate purpose of this authority is to make Jesus’s saving grace visible, to protect and proclaim the gospel, and to ensure that the church remains faithful to its mission and purpose. By exercising this authority with wisdom and humility, the congregation can fulfill its calling to be a light in the world and a witness to the power of the gospel.
The elders have the authority to teach the congregation truthfully, correctly, and soundly, without deviation. They are responsible for leading and training the flock by being an example to the members and helping them mature in their faith. The elders should model Godliness in their words and deeds, demonstrating the qualities expected of them. They should provide counsel to the congregation and oversee the flock. Additionally, they should teach the congregation how to disciple others. Overall, the elders are charged with a great responsibility to guide and care for the spiritual well-being of the congregation.
Healthy Membership Requires Healthy Leadership
A pastor is a Christian who belongs to a church community and is responsible for guiding and caring for the members of that community. The pastor is considered a member of the flock that he shepherds and is seen as an overseer of that flock whom God has ordained. In this role, the pastor is responsible for providing spiritual guidance, preaching and teaching, counseling, and leading the community in worship and prayer. The pastor is also expected to be a role model, living out the teachings of the Bible in his own life and setting an example for the congregation to follow.
Effective leadership is crucial for a healthy church, and pastors, elders, and deacons play a vital role in achieving this goal. They must provide clear teachings that align with biblical principles and promote church unity. Additionally, they must prioritize biblical discipleship, equipping members to grow in their faith and become better disciples of Christ. Doing so can create a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages spiritual growth and fosters a strong sense of community within the church.
Healthy leadership is characterized by certain practices that promote the spiritual well-being of its members. Such leadership does not force members to attend small groups or overemphasize the importance of loving one’s neighbor and obedience to the point of becoming legalistic. Furthermore, it allows members to terminate their membership without being under discipline and does not stifle Christian freedom. It also recognizes that its wisdom is not equal to God’s wisdom and avoids using God and justice as a weapon to control or manipulate others.
Conclusion
The essay began by defining a church, which was built into the definition of church membership. A church cannot exist without membership, which requires a church. This concept starts to lead us to why church membership is key. Then, we rolled into the authority of the congregation and elders. Here, we learned that both offices have distinctly different roles, but both are necessary and are ordained by Jesus. Last, we saw why it takes healthy leadership for a healthy membership to thrive. So, if we combine these individual elements into one body, we rightly understand the importance of church membership and why it is crucial for biblical ecclesiology.
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