Membership
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,
though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. — 1 Corinthians 12:12
What is church membership?
The root meaning of the word “member” is a limb of a body like an arm or a finger. Paul uses this metaphor of a body with individual members to describe the church (Rom. 12:4, 5; I Cor. 12:12). In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands baptism as the sign of being joined to the visible church. In Acts 2, we see that those baptized were “added to the church,” and an accounting is given of the number of members. If you believe in Jesus Christ, then your first step should be to visibly join the church by baptism.
What else does the Bible say about church membership?
For a Christian not to be a visible part of the church is unthinkable in Scripture (cf. I Cor. 5). Jesus says in Matthew 18:17 that those who were not church members were to be regarded as nonbelievers. Ephesians 4:11-16 tells us that Christian growth requires a church body. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper assumes regular worship in a church body where pastoral oversight is possible over communicant members (I Cor. 11).
Why do I need local church membership?
If I have been baptized, then why do I need to commit to a particular local church? Hebrews 13:17 says, “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.” How can you obey this command without local church membership? How will the elders do their job? Commitment to a local body gives you a chance to visibly support the work of the gospel and sound doctrine, to receive deaconal care, to be prayed for and ministered to by the elders, to vote and to hold office, and to commit to serving others.
What are the types of membership?
The children of believers are addressed in Scripture as “saints” (holy ones) and as members of the church (Eph. 1:1 w/ Eph. 6:1-4; I Cor. 7:12-16). Children of believers are entitled to baptism and to pastoral oversight and instruction with a view to their personally embracing Christ and are non-communicant members. Children who are ready to become Communicant members of the church should contact the session. Communicant members are those who have made a profession of faith, have been baptized, and who have been received by the Session to the Lord’s Table. They enjoy all the rights and privileges of the church. Associate members maintain their communicant membership in their home congregation.
What happens in a membership class?
Membership class is a chance to meet with the elders and learn about the church. After the class is over you will be asked if you wish to join Seoul Covenant Church as a member.
If you'd like more info on church membership, please contact one of our elders to find out more.