Membership has traditionally been a term used for clubs, groups, organizations, or teams. While many churches have tried different terms such as workmanship, on the role, or identified with this congregation, the terminology means the same.
Membership in the church means that we are an active part of that community of faith. While some churches have suggested that the church is universal, we believe that the church can also be local. God desires each church to have elders in each city (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). The elders are the shepherds and overseers of each church (Acts 20:17-34; 1 Peter 3:1-5). Their responsibility is to “pastor” (shepherd) the flock of God, and help members develop, mature, and practice ministry in each church (Ephesians 4:11-16). Members respect and support these leaders in their congregations (Hebrews 13:17).
Members attend church regularly (Hebrews 10:22-25). Jesus went to the synagogue every Sabbath because He knew that the assembly was necessary to encouragement and spiritual growth (Luke 4:14-16).
When we come together we do not observe worship (as was done at the temple), but we participate in worship. We do this when we sing, pray, listen, and take communion every week together (Ephesians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:16-18; Acts 20:7). Since the church needs money to continue its ministry, we give every week and in special circumstances (1 Corinthians 16:1-3).
Finally, members submit to Christ and extend His ministry through the Spirit. Jesus is the head of the church, which is His body. He is our only head and authority (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18). While He is our chief shepherd, he has delegated leadership gifts to elders, deacons, ministers, missionaries, teachers, and other workers in the church (Acts 6:1-6; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 1:1).
These leaders help the members practice God’s ministry to the world through acts of mercy, service, aid, and preaching the gospel of Jesus (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14; 3:8; Acts 8:4). We also practice the ministry of Jesus by promoting unity and harmony in His body which is the church (Ephesians 4:1-6). Just as we have one Lord, so we are united as one body.
Members of the Broken Bow church of Christ are simply, Christians. We must be people who turn from sin and reject Satan. We have turned to God and been baptized into Jesus by being born of both water and Spirit (John 3:1-6).
After our conversion, the Spirit leads us to continue to turn from sin daily. We do this by resisting the devil and becoming like Jesus through prayer and spiritual discipline. Satan has no part of our lives, and we ask him to flee from our presence (James 4:7). We worship and commune weekly together and avoid gossip, division, and hatred of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We love all people, share the good news of Jesus, and practice acts of mercy and love for all men, women, and children.
Broken Bow Church of Christ
