What Does it Look Like to be a Healthy Church Member?
Some of us may have grown up understanding being a member of a church is an unwritten portion of the ten commandments. Whether or not that’s part of your story, Judah sheds light on how we can be and teach our kids what it is to be a healthy church member.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
For many of us, church attendance is an expected part of life. But what does it mean to be a church member? Is it more than just knowing where you go on Sunday mornings for worship and a sermon? For a parent, I believe it is critically important to understand how your church involvement, or lack thereof, can shape your child’s future as a member of the body of Christ.
I would like to visit a few signs of healthy, effective, church membership I have personally observed in my parents and others who have chosen to be committed members of a local church.
- Surrender up – As church members we should be submitting to the authority placed over us. Specifically, by allowing them to biblically teach, counsel, admonish, exhort and discipline us through scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). All done out of reverence for Christ. Scripture clearly states that Christ is the head of the church, and thus the ultimate authority (Ephesians 1:22-23).
- Serve in – Seemingly the most tangible of ways to live out church membership, it is often the least chosen. For some reason we get the sense that our main role at church is to consume. Although there is importance in being spiritually fed, it can sometimes overshadow Christ’s command to love others and serve them (1 John 3:11-18). Consistently serving at church gives me an outlet to use my God given gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). Whether it’s childcare, the worship team, or overseeing parking, show your kids what it means to put scripture and your faith to action by serving your local body.
- Seek out – I’ve listed this one last because it is most difficult in my nature of self-reliance. Only two things will last forever, God’s Word and the souls of men. Our God has designed us for relationship with him and each other. He doesn’t intend for this life to be a solo ride. Let’s recognize the clear call to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another”. This takes serious commitment, but it also communicates serious love for God and others.
By choosing to seek fellowship with other believers, serve with your spiritual gifts, and surrender to biblical authority our children will see the importance of church commitment. Let’s rise to the scriptural call and experience what the body of Christ is meant to be.
Camper Corner:
What is your favorite thing about church? Do you think it is important for us to go to church? The Bible tells us to use our talents to serve other people and love them. What are some talents you think God has given you to be able to help others?
