Joining any organization or social group involves knowing the basics of what the group is and what the group expects members to do. At some level, whether formal or informal, there is an agreement to abide by the guidelines and expectations of the organization. We all accept that as reasonable and necessary. For instance, for quite some time there has been a choir that forms each year to sing Handel’s Messiah in Bangkok. Those who wish to participate agree to meet at the set times and places to prepare for the performances.
In some ways it is much the same with church membership. A person wishing to join a church should know the basics of what the church believes and the expectations the church has for its members. But in other ways, joining a church is different. A church is about much more than simply accomplishing a set of goals. It is about relationships. Commitment to a church begins with our relationship to God. Joining a church does involve being committed to that particular group of people, but at a deeper and more important level it is a reflection of our commitment to God. The church belongs to Jesus and anyone joining the church is ultimately making a commitment to serve and obey Him along with the other church members.
And so, after committing to the relationship with Jesus, joining a church includes committing to a relationship with the other believers. As Paul said to the church in Rome, “Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:4-5 CSB). We will always be unique individuals, but we are also members of one another. We are connected. We are connected by Jesus Christ. We are family!
I would like you to reconsider your commitment to God by your commitment to the church. Have you joined the church or have you simply been attending? God has uniquely equipped you to serve in a local church. Are you ready to do that? It starts with commitment.
His,
Pastor Martin
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