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10 Reasons God wants you to join a church...
1. We are to love one another.
The Bible commands believers to be of one mind, and to love one another and pray for each other. Church membership gives people a formal way of saying, "I am committed to this body of believers and the vision God has given this church." (Phil. 2:1-4, Rom. 15:5-6, 1 Cor. 1:10, Gal. 5:13, Eph. 4:32, 5:21, James 5:16)
2. Jesus expects you to!
Jesus as the head of the church calls and equips believers to be His under-shepherd (Pastors) and oversee specific flocks of people. Membership allows the under-shepherd to get to know his flock! Jesus expects you to be counted as a member of the local flock. (Eph. 4:11-12, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:28, Matt. 9:36, Luke 15:4-6)
3. We are called "members".
God calls us as "Ye are the (universal) Body of Christ, and members in particular," and "Ye are the (local) Body of Christ, and members in particular." (1 Cor. 12:12, 14, 20, 27)
4. It is God's original plan.
We see many references in the Bible which describe a committed membership which people could join, and where people are counted.
(Acts 1:14-15, 2:41-42, 4:4, 5:13-14, Heb. 10:24)
5. The Church is like an army.
Like an army, the church must have an organized and committed membership in order to function at its maximum potential as the army of God. (2 Tim. 2:3-4, Phil. 2:25)
6. God Speaks to churches.
Jesus said, "He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." While this does not take away the individual believer's responsibility for a personal relationship with God, church membership keeps you "in the flow" of what the Spirit is saying through the church. (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22)
7. The New Testament is written to local churches.
The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the New Testament to write letters to local churches where believers gathered; a better way to spread the Good News than to individuals.
8. God provides spiritual safety.
There is spiritual protection when you sit under a God-called, Jesus appointed, and Holy Spirit led Pastor. It is his job to "feed the flock" and keep them safe. (Eph. 4:11-16, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5)
9. God is the author of order.
The New Testament says that Christians should worship together "decently and in an organized way". Church membership is a simple way for a local church to operate in an organized way. (1 Cor. 14:33, 40)
10. God's not impressed by "lone ranger" Christians.
God has never favored independent, rebellious, proud spirited people who are unwilling to submit to others in the Body of Christ. Membership is a form of submission to the local church, and to God, for the protection of the flock. (Rom. 16:17-18, 1 Cor. 9:13, 2 Thess. 3:6)
What are the benefits of being a member of Family Church?
As a member of Family Church we can provide...
Spiritual Guidance - If you are seeking direction or guidance during personal struggles, questions about God, or adjusting to life changes, we are here for you. Just call the office and we can set you up with a priority appointment with Pastor Michael, Pastor Ray, or one of the staff depending on your need.
Marriages - Family church will provide pre-marital guidance, planning assistance, and ministerial services during this important time in your life. Spiritual guidance will be available for the couple and their families in order to achieve God's best for the ceremony and the marriage relationship.
Funerals - When a member of Family Church loses a close family member, one of our Pastoral staff will be available to officiate the proceedings as well as being available for spiritual guidance and encouragement during this challenging time.
Reduced Rental of Facilities - When a member holds an event such as party, reception, or business activity at Family Church, the room rentals and service fees are reduced or gifted.
Priority Appointments - Although we love and care for all of the Family Church flock, members of Family Church are given priority appointments for all services. This means the staff will adjust their schedule, and/or meet outside of the regular office hours to accommodate a member's needs.
Letters of Recommendation/References - Family Church will be happy to provide these valuable services to Family Church members and their immediate family when jobs, college applications, or mortgage/loan references are needed.
Baby Dedications - The wonderful time of bringing a new baby into your family can be celebrated and shared with all your Family Church family during a regular church service. A Certificate of Dedication will be provided.
Hospital Visitation - In the event of an illness or injury, our members receive hospital visitation by the Pastors or the staff.
If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a member of Family Church please call our church office at (716) 672-8100 or
1(877) 866-9223. You can also email us at office@myfamilychurch.org. |
