Church Membership

Many people today ask if church membership matters. After all, if you attend a church regularly and take part in church life, what does it matter whether or not you are formally a "member?" As a pastor, I certainly hope that neither I myself nor our members love attenders less than voting members. So why bother?

That question requires much more than a 30-second answer, but for starters here's a quick response: a) Membership is not a one-way, give-us-what-you-got relationship. It's as much about the church's commitment to you, to nurture, comfort, teach, sacrifice and care for you as it is about you committing yourself to the church. b) It yields a public witness of the church for Christ. Rather than simply choosing to attend some church as long as you like it, you are a living testimony of who we are as a church and who (Who!) we are living like. You have a vested interest in making not just yourself, but your church family truly exemplify Christ. c) Membership holds us accountable. Church members benefit from church discipline--"discipline" meaning most often the good, nurturing, parental sense of the word. And finally, d) Only members can vote! By entering into covenant with a church, you are privileged to participate in its decision-making.

There's much more to be said about the blessings and importance of church membership, but I'll save it for a face-to-face discussion. Know that you are warmly and joyfully welcomed at RCC whether a visitor, weekly attender, or covenant member!

Grace and peace,

Pastor David Huizenga