Church Membership

[C.o.G]

Who does church membership matter more to? Why do we need church membership since the individual Christian is the church, so what does it matter if we belong to one particular local church or not?

[Noelle]

I agree with you and I know a few Christians who questioned why the need for membership. The bible doesn't say we need membership. Maybe it's like a wedding ceremony... We declare to everyone that we are married to each other. So with membership we also declare to people our commitment to the church. Yes it doesn't mean a non member is not committed, but I think we'll agree that having formally declared a vow before the congregation and having God and then to hold us to those vows should make us more serious about the commitment. Personally, I wouldn't push anyone to get membership. But if the pastors of a church do encourage it I think it's also a matter of submission.