Church Membership: A Divine Covenant - Part 2

by Mary Hill
Published September 12, 2005

Ever have one of those days at church. You want to throw in the towel. How dare so and so be so rude to you. Well, she didn’t even say hi. The pastor’s wife snubbed you. What about the choir director? He didn’t even listen to your story about your dog delving into your cake and making a mess everywhere. Sometimes, you feel like you are all alone at your church. Maybe you should leave and find another church body that cares more about you.

Whenever I feel this way, for whatever reason, I get a check in my spirit. Why do I attend church? Is it so I get a stage to play out my life dramas? If they don’t take the time to listen to me, do I have a big pity party? We all need friends. Fellowship is one of the reasons we seek a church family.

Fellowship, however, should never supersede the primary reasons we join a church. Are we attending church for the people or are we attending for God? As Psalm, 22:22 shows worship should be our priority in attending church. “I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.”

Another priority before fellowship is service. How can we help others in our church body? Instead of being concerned about our own needs, we need to show more concern for the needs of others. Jesus illustrated this principle of church membership in John 13: 3-17 when he humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples. Notice, he even washed the feet of Judas, the one who betrayed him. Have any of your fellow church members portrayed you unto death?

Two reasons exist for leaving a church. One, the church has broken its covenant with its members to serve God and preach the truth. Two, the Holy Spirit compels you to leave to attend another church because God wants to bring your talents and ministry to that church. In both these cases, you should fast and pray to ensure your decision is in line with the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Church membership is a special calling. God does not call us to a church to make friends (although we will and this is one of our rewards for obedience.) He calls us to join a church to serve Him through worship and service to His flock.

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