You became a member of the church when you were baptized into Christ

(Galatians 3:26-27). As a member of the body of Christ (Ephesians. 1:22-23) you accepted certain obligations: to submit to His leadership and to give yourself freely

to the service of your Lord (Romans 6:17-18; 1 Peter 3:15).  

This is your status whether you become a member of a local church or not. But the Scriptures teach us we are to work and worship with other brethren (Hebrews 10:25). Their presence and accessibility, present both privilege and obligation to all who are faithful to Christ. 

Saints, who have agreed to function as a team, become a "church" in the organized sense (Philippians 1:1; 4:15). This "church" is made up of members of the universal body of Christ, yet we have distinctive roles. Elders are to shepherd the flock "which is among you" - they also have local church obligations (1 Peter 5:1-3; Tit. 1:5; Acts 14:23).  

Team Responsibilities 

In becoming a member of a local church of necessity you accept obligations there also. You should understand the obligations and responsibilities that go along with that relationship. Just as in a marriage, each gives up some independence to function collectively and take on some obligations.  

There could be no effective team work if each member operated with his own judgment, with no regard for the team effort. A local church must operate with a common mind, i.e., agreement in judgment. The elders must lead in forming this judgment, and as a sheep we are to follow our shepherds (1 Thess. 5:12f). For a more current illustration: to play football as a team, each player must act in keeping with the play called by the quarterback or coach. 

Much of the work done will be through money; you are obligated to bear your share of this load. The collection on the First Day of the week is a means of pooling resources so that team work can be done. When a planned program is announced, and you help finance that program, you are doing a share of that work - pulling with the team. But your participation also means you share in the responsibility for what is done. If you cannot conscientiously support your local church program you should change it, or join a team you believe is serving the Lord faithfully (Rom. 14:22-23). 

Mutual Assistance 

Church members sometimes seem to think their presence at service and their contribution to the treasury is their only relationship to the local church. This ignores a most important reason for assembling together. Heb10:25 gives "exhorting one another" (encouraging) as a reason for coming together. We must learn to think of the local church as a mutual encouragement society: brethren banded together to help one another go to heaven. In public worship we "teach and admonish" by our singing (Colossians 3:16). We edify one another as we pray (1 Corinthians 14:14-17). The Lord's Supper recalls Christ's sacrifice in our behalf and we "show the Lord's death till he come" (1Cor11:23-26). Every member is told to: "comfort yourselves and to edify one another." (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Mutual concern goes beyond public worship. Fellow Christians enter into a pact to "bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). This means correcting errors of one another (v. 1). When you enter into covenant relationship with others, you accept the obligation to correct and encourage others. We also agree that they should correct and encourage you. You are to love your brethren in word, in deed and in truth (1 John. 3:16-19). True love removes the chips from our shoulders. These things need to be remembered when correcting, and when being corrected. If you have missed this aspect of fellowship, you are depriving yourself and others of the help every saint needs and has a right to expect. 

People Are Different 

Yes they are, and joining hands in the Lord's service does not remove all differences. Occupations, hobbies, financial status, regional customs, age, and many other personal differences will dictate friendships and associations. There is no reason to expect these differences to vanish when we become members of the same local church. But if we will concentrate on what we have in common: on our love for the Lord, and desire to do His will; we will not allow personal differences to destroy our more noble purpose. We may, in fact, learn to share with one another to such an extent that our differences only expand the field of our church work. We can help one another "fill out" what is lacking in each of us, so that our differences become our balance and our strength. 

A very few, who "stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27), will be a mighty force for good. Remember the church at Smyrna, rich in God's sight (Rev. 2:8-11); and determine to do all possible to make the church where you are a member, a Christ-approved church. 

Edited by Bill Watkins