“—that they may be one as we are one” John 17:22
Hodge Presbyterian Church (USA)
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: TO JOIN OR NOT TO JOIN ? THAT IS THE QUESTION We live in a culture where membership in organizations including church is not a priority. Involvement is, but not necessarily membership. Over the last few years I have found that many of the people who are most active in church are not necessarily members. We all know that when we confessed Christ as Savior we became members of His body and for many that is all that is necessary. That, in fact, is quite true but there is also a profound value to joining with a worshiping community in a deeper step of church membership. Don’t misunderstand. Signing a membership card does not somehow deepen your spiritual relationship to Christ. Someone has said that being in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in an oven makes you a biscuit. It is not some kind of “next step” in salvation or sanctification.
No, joining a church does not make you a more mature Christian nor is it necessary to be involved in many aspects of the church life. However, a step toward membership brings you into a more intimate relationship with the worshiping community of which you are a part. It can’t be explained but there is a sense of belonging and anchoring with a church family. Also, there are some service positions in the church (elders, deacons, trustees etc) that can only be held by church members. Finally, and most importantly, only members are able to vote on important decisions affecting the life of the church. Several have mentioned the desire to join Hodge and I am waiting for materials that will be used for those interested. As soon as those materials arrive we will announce a couple of orientation sessions to be held before Sunday service at 9:00am. If you are interested and have not let Linda know at the office please call and we will make sure you know the days and times. Blessings, Pastor Joe
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: TO JOIN OR NOT TO JOIN ? THAT IS THE QUESTION We live in a culture where membership in organizations including church is not a priority. Involvement is, but not necessarily membership. Over the last few years I have found that many of the people who are most active in church are not necessarily members. We all know that when we confessed Christ as Savior we became members of His body and for many that is all that is necessary. That, in fact, is quite true but there is also a profound value to joining with a worshiping community in a deeper step of church membership. Don’t misunderstand. Signing a membership card does not somehow deepen your spiritual relationship to Christ. Someone has said that being in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in an oven makes you a biscuit. It is not some kind of “next step” in salvation or sanctification.
No, joining a church does not make you a more mature Christian nor is it necessary to be involved in many aspects of the church life. However, a step toward membership brings you into a more intimate relationship with the worshiping community of which you are a part. It can’t be explained but there is a sense of belonging and anchoring with a church family. Also, there are some service positions in the church (elders, deacons, trustees etc) that can only be held by church members. Finally, and most importantly, only members are able to vote on important decisions affecting the life of the church. Several have mentioned the desire to join Hodge and I am waiting for materials that will be used for those interested. As soon as those materials arrive we will announce a couple of orientation sessions to be held before Sunday service at 9:00am. If you are interested and have not let Linda know at the office please call and we will make sure you know the days and times. Blessings, Pastor Joe
