Church Membership

Why Belong to a Congregation?

A Christian needs a church where the Word is preached, the sacraments are administered, and elders know the flock entrusted to them.

Christ joins believers to his body. In Acts 2:41-42 (opens in a new tab) those who received the Word were baptized and continued in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. The visible church includes those who profess the true religion and their children (WCF 25.2 (opens in a new tab)). Congregational membership makes our duties toward particular people concrete.

Belonging also places a believer under lawful pastoral oversight. Elders are charged to shepherd God's flock and must give account for their care (Acts 20:28 (opens in a new tab), Hebrews 13:17 (opens in a new tab)). Membership includes receiving that ministry, praying for the church, using one's gifts, and loving fellow members. It's a serious commitment, but it's a mercy.

What Is Communicant Membership?

A baptized child belongs to the visible church but may not yet have been admitted to the Lord's Table. A communicant member is admitted upon a credible profession of faith and the church's examination. The distinction recognizes that those who receive the Supper must discern the Lord's body and examine themselves (1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (opens in a new tab), WLC 171-173 (opens in a new tab)).

The session mustn't demand evidence of sinless maturity. It must also guard the Supper from careless admission. A struggling believer should speak honestly about doubts and repentance, rather than pretending to be certain about everything.

Why Meet With the Elders?

In Presbyterian government, the session oversees the congregation and examines those seeking communicant membership. Be ready to say who Jesus Christ is, why you need him, what you believe about his death and resurrection, and how you're seeking to follow him.

You can tell your testimony plainly. A dramatic conversion story isn't required. The elders may ask about baptism, worship, your household, and your understanding of the vows. Their task is to seek a credible profession and care for the soul placed before them.

Ask questions of them as well. Find out how the Word is preached, how the sacraments are administered, what the church teaches, and how a member should seek help or appeal a decision.

Understand Your Promises

Church membership vows are made before God. Know what you're promising before you make them. The original Westminster Confession gives the doctrine of lawful oaths and vows in chapter 22. Each congregation must administer membership according to its own lawful church order.

Don't assume that every Presbyterian congregation asks identical questions. If you're joining the RPCNA, consult its official membership covenant and ask your session to explain it. Read Visiting and Joining a Reformed Presbyterian Church for the practical process.

Life After Joining

Keep the Lord's Day. Be present for the church's public worship and ordinances. Pray for your elders and fellow members. Give as the Lord has prospered you, according to your responsibilities. When a brother or sister suffers, don't wait for someone else to notice.

When you sin, repent. Where another person has been wronged, seek reconciliation. If the session must correct you, listen with an open Bible. Church discipline aims at restoration, the peace of the church, and Christ's honor (WCF 30.3 (opens in a new tab)).

Membership won't make every church decision easy. It does give you a home in the visible church in which to grow under the ordinary means of grace. If you're still looking, start with How to Find a Faithful Church.