WHAT MAKES SIERRA TICK, Part #3

Our philosophy of ministry
by Paul Null, Former Teaching Pastor

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER

People often ask, "What do I do to become a member of Sierra Community Church?" Beliefs about and experiences with church membership are so diverse among churches and denominations that an explanation of our approach to church membership is in order.

The New Testament provides no specific instruction about or direction for church membership. We do know that Christians had a strong sense of belonging and responsibility to one another (see Acts 2:41-47; 4:32-5:11; 6:1-6). We also know that some kind of church roll was kept so that they could keep track of special needs and minister more effectively to one another (1 Timothy 5:1-16). As far as we can tell the only qualification for membership was to profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and to publicly acknowledge that faith in the waters of baptism (Acts 2:41).

At Sierra we consider everyone who shares our faith in Jesus and gets involved with us in worship and ministry to be part of our spiritual family. We don't require anyone to "sign on the dotted line" as the saying goes. But most folks do appreciate the opportunity to make membership official and we provide for that through the church office.

The essence of membership, whether it is formally sought or simply demonstrated by our involvement in the body of believers, is a serious commitment to represent Jesus Christ in our local community together. It involves identifying with fellow believers in their joys and their sorrows, in their struggles and successes, in their labors and their leisure, and in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Familiar words like family, partnership, teamwork, and friendship all describe aspects of the membership experience.

In my study of the New Testament I have discovered a number of attitudes and actions that help to define what it means to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ where you live:

IDENTIFY DECISIVELY

"So those who welcomed his message were baptized, . . ." Acts 2:41

GROW PERSONALLY

"They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching . . . Acts 2:42

FELLOWSHIP REGULARLY

"They devoted themselves to . . . fellowship, to the breaking of bread . . ." Acts 2:42

PRAY FERVENTLY

"They devoted themselves to . . . the prayers." Acts 2:42

SERVE ENERGETICALLY

"Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord." Romans 12:11

GIVE SACRIFICIALLY

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10

LIVE PURELY

" You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24

FORGIVE COMPLETELY

". . . and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

WITNESS UNASHAMEDLY

" But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence." 1 Peter 3:14-16

Would you like more information or are you interested in making your relationship with Sierra "official"? Please get in touch with us at the church office between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM Monday through Friday.

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