Local Church Membership - It's God's Way!

If you have been around Sovereign Grace Church for any length of time at all, you have probably heard the following statement: While you can’t find the phrase “church membership” in the Bible, church membership is thoroughly biblical. Or, in the words of Mark Dever*, “It is everywhere implied.”

It’s true. Whether it is theological, historical, or practical, personal identity with and commitment to a local church is clearly God’s design and desire for all He saves by His grace.  But don’t take my word for it. Grab your Bible this week and let the Scriptures below do the talking. You might be surprised at what you find!

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A biblical argument for local church membership:  

  1. Obvious pattern of the NT (Most Epistles were written to specific local churches)

  2. Intimate metaphors for the church (Human body—1 Corinthians 12:27; Flock—Acts 20:28; Household—1 Timothy 3:15)

  3. Clear practice of the early church (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 5:12-14)

  4. Call to submit to leaders (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5)

  5. Command of church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-12)

  6. Charge for pastors to care for and govern the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5; 1 Timothy 5:17)

  7. Sobering reality of a pastor’s accountability to God (Hebrews 13:17)

* Mark Dever has served as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church since 1994 and as president of 9Marks (a ministry to churches and church leaders) since its founding in 1998. Mark has authored a number of books, including 9 Marks of a Healthy Church.

Church Life, Going DeeperDerek OverstreetSovereign Grace ChurchChurch Membership