[Transcript of a midweek message published by Horley Baptist Church on YouTube[1], 03/Sep/2025]
Message 1: Why church membership matters. A Baptist vision for belonging and becoming.
Welcome. If you’re reading this, it probably means you’re exploring what it means to become a member of our church. That’s exciting, and we’re so glad you’re here. This short series will help you understand the heart behind church membership and how you can play a meaningful part in our community.
So, let’s start with a quick snapshot of what makes Baptist churches a little different. We’re part of a wider Baptist family that believes each local church should be free to follow Jesus faithfully, led by the spirit, and guided by scripture. We don’t have bishops or a central headquarters telling us what to do. Instead, we’re led by a team, usually ministers, elders, and deacons. And major decisions are made by the church members together prayerfully seeking God’s will. That’s called congregational governance. It’s not about democracy or majority rule. It’s about listening together to the Holy Spirit just like the early church did in Acts chapter 15.
Now, you won’t find the phrase ‘church membership’ in the Bible, but the idea is there on every page. In Acts two, we see people believing in Jesus, being baptised, and joining the community. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. That’s membership in action. Paul described the church as a body in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Many parts, one body. We each belong to one another. And in Ephesians chapter 4, we’re told to grow up together into maturity in Christ.
See, that only happens when we’re rooted in a local church, committed to one another in love. So, what is membership really? Well, it’s more than just being on a list. It’s a commitment to say, “This is my church family. I belong here, and I want to play my part in what God is doing“. It’s a way of putting your roots down and saying, “Count me in“. And it’s an invitation to grow, serve, give, and help shape the future of the church as we follow Jesus together.
Over the next few messages, we’ll explore four simple but powerful responsibilities of church membership. These aren’t rules, they’re invitations, and they help our church to thrive.
- So, number one, grow together. By showing up regularly to Sunday services and home groups, we grow in faith and help others to grow, too.
- Two, join in. God’s given you gifts. Serving in some way, big or small, helps build the church.
- Three, give generously. Financial giving enables the mission of the church and reflects our trust in God’s provision.
- And four, discern together. Church meetings aren’t just about business. They’re where we pray, listen, and decide together where God is leading.
So, that’s a glimpse of why membership matters. In the next message, we’ll start with what it means to grow together. But for now, take a moment to reflect. What might God be inviting you into?
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[1] YouTube link: Why Church Membership Matters
Bible references:
Acts 15:8-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Ephesians 4:15
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Contributed by Martin Shorey; © Martin Shorey