MEMBERSHIP ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE

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Church in the Bible usually meant a specific local church like that at Ephesus or Corinth.  Did people actually join local churches formally, or was it an informal association?  Five indications:



1. ​ Local churches:  The biblical metaphors used to describe local churches flock, temple, body, and household are used specifically of local churches (Acts 20, Ephesians 2, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Timothy 3).  Each of these metaphors has a clear distinction of who is part of the church, and who isn't.
2. The meaning of "the whole church":  In 1 Corinthians 14:23, the Bible says, "if therefore the whole church be come together in one place..."  How would the leaders know if the "whole church" was there if no formal relationship was established?
3. The instructinos for pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership:  Pastors/overseers/shepherds were  to care for "all the flock" (Acts 20:28 cf. 1 Timothy 3, Acts 20, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1).  Leaders of the citywide churches must have had some listing of believers.  Since leaders were accountable for the souls of the flock under their care (Hebrews 13:17), they must have had some commitment for care.
4. The meaning of the word "join":  After the fiery end of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:13, no non-Christians dared join them but the people esteemed them highly.  The Greek word for join has strong connotations of commitment.  The same word is used to speak of joining to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17).
5. The instructions for church discipline:  Mathew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5 talk about putting a person out of the church and treating him like an unbeliever.  Since unbelievers were welcome at worship, removal must have indicated a distinct formal association.  "In the New Testament there is no such person as a Christian who is not a church member.  Conversion was described as 'the Lord adding to the church' (Acts 2:47).  There was no spiritual drifting." (Douglas Miller)

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