Become a Part of League Street
Desiring membership in the body of Christ at a local congregation
The Bible doesn’t have a stated process whereby one may “join” a local church. However, the Bible does refer to individual Christians as members of local congregations (1 Corinthians 12:27). So, here is our way for people to be recognized as members of this local congregation.
First, for someone who is not a Christian, to become a member of Christ’s church one must be added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:36-47). Upon baptism into Christ (Galatians 3:27), for forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16), the individual automatically becomes a member of Christ’s body, which exists around the world.
Second, the baptized into Christ individual ought to desire membership in a local congregation and let his fellow Christians know that he is connecting to the church to get and give strength and encouragement. The church, together, is also to be involved in doing the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58), and each individual contributes to that work as he has ability (1 Peter 4:11). Desiring one’s membership with a local congregation lets that congregation know that one is available and ready to do the work that needs to be done in and through the local church.
Third, the leaders (Elders) of each local congregation have a responsibility to watch over the souls of individual Christians that are a part of the local fellowship (Hebrews 13:17). Individual Christians have the responsibility to make the job of a leader easier, even a joy, by being faithful and following their lead.
Finally, the individual Christian ought to desire membership in a local congregation to indicate his full fellowship with the local congregation. Fellowship isn’t merely worshipping, having a meal together. Fellowship is participation in the activities of the congregation, regardless what those activities may be (Acts 2:42). We have fellowship when we study God’s word together in our Bible classes, when we worship God in our assembly, when we visit in small groups, when we do missions, or when we support a particular work with our finances. The individual Christian should want to have full fellowship with other Christians (1 John 1:7). Without desiring membership at a local congregation, an individual’s intentions aren’t fully known. However, when one connects with a church, they indicate intentional, full fellowship with that local congregation.
Here at the League Street church of Christ, we encourage a close connection with Christ’s church. If you desire to connect with this local church, we first will encourage you to be “born again” -- baptized into Christ for forgiveness of sins -- if you have not been. This is most important as you understand what Christ’s death, burial and resurrection means. Please contact one of our leaders, and we can help you become “born again” if you have not been. If you have been baptized into Christ, simply let one of our leaders know that you would like to have a close connection “place membership” with this local body of Christ, His church. We will gladly welcome you, introduce you to our local fellowship, and share that you belong to Christ, and desire to have continuing fellowship, working and worshipping with this church. Shortly after that time, we would like to visit with you to let you know what our focused ministries are that might serve you, and also determine how you might wish to become involved, i.e., Care Groups, Missions, Worship, Helping Hands, etc.
May God bless you as you follow him as a part of his Spiritual family!
