Have you ever wondered if church membership is actually biblical? Or perhaps you've asked yourself if you really need to go to church to be a Christian? These are important questions that deserve thoughtful answers.
Jesus only used the word "church" twice in the Gospels, but in those two instances, He revealed something profound about His expectations for His followers.
What Is the Church According to Jesus?
When we think of "church," we often picture a building with a steeple. But Jesus never established church as a building or even a specific format for gathering. Instead, He focused on creating a movement of people committed to Him and to each other.
In Matthew 16:13-28, Jesus has a pivotal conversation with His disciples about His identity. After Peter confesses that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God," Jesus responds with something remarkable:
"I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
This passage reveals several important truths:
- Jesus is building His church
- It's based on those who truly know who He is
- He gives His church authority
- His church will not fail
The church isn't primarily a building or a set of activities—it's a network of relationships among people who are loyal to Jesus.
Why Can't I Just Love Jesus Without Committing to a Local Church
Some might argue, "I have a personal relationship with Jesus. I don't need to join a specific congregation." But Jesus' second mention of church in Matthew 18:15-20 addresses this very issue.
In this passage, Jesus gives specific instructions about how believers should handle conflicts with one another. He establishes a process that involves individual confrontation, bringing in witnesses, and ultimately "telling it to the church." He concludes with the familiar words:
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
This teaching makes it clear that Jesus expects His followers to have specific, accountable relationships with other believers—not just a general affection for Christians everywhere.
Is Church Membership Actually in the Bible?
While the Bible doesn't use the term "church membership" explicitly, the concept is clearly present. In the early church, becoming a Christian was dangerous—no one would join unless they were fully committed. Today in comfortable North America, we need more formal ways to express our commitment.
Church membership serves several important purposes:
- It makes your commitment to Jesus' people official and public
- It allows others to hold you accountable (as Jesus taught)
- It creates a framework for mutual care and responsibility
- It helps you grow in maturity by practicing specific love, not just general affection
What If I've Been Hurt by the Church Before?
Many people have experienced pain in church settings. These wounds are real and shouldn't be dismissed. However, being hurt by a church doesn't exempt us from Jesus' expectation that we commit to His people.
Instead, we need to find healthy communities where we can heal while still practicing commitment to specific believers. A good church will be sensitive to past hurts while helping you reconnect with Jesus' people.
How Church Membership Benefits Everyone
Church membership isn't just about fulfilling an obligation—it creates mutual benefit:
- For you: It makes your spiritual growth more likely by connecting you to people who can help you mature
- For others: It allows them to receive the specific gifts God has given you
- For church leaders: It helps them fulfill their responsibility to care for those God has entrusted to them
The Main Expectation: Committed to Jesus Means Committed to His People
The central message is clear: If you're committed to Jesus, you need to be committed to His people. Jesus makes His disciples into a family, and families don't ignore one another.
Love in general isn't enough. We must follow Jesus by loving particular people in particular ways. This is why church membership matters—it's how we practice specific love in our modern context.
Life Application
This week, consider how you're living out your commitment to Jesus' people. If you're not a member of a local church, prayerfully consider taking that step. If you are a member, evaluate how actively you're investing in relationships within your church family.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have someone in my church that I can talk to about real issues I'm facing?
- What do my practices of love for other disciples say about my love for Jesus?
- How am I using my God-given gifts to serve specific people in my church?
- If I've been hurt by church in the past, how can I begin healing while still honoring Jesus' call to commit to His people?
Remember, Jesus is building His church, and He invites us to cooperate with Him in this work. Our commitment to His people isn't optional—it's a fundamental expression of our commitment to Him.