Bible Answers > A - F

Church Membership

Is church membership necessary? What is a church? Which church should you attend? God has answered these questions in His Word.

The Church is the Body of Christ on earth to do the work of God. Christians are directed to assemble with the rest of the Body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24,25). Those who believe in Jesus and are born again have become God's children (2 Corinthians 6:18), and are heirs to the Kingdom of God along with Jesus (Romans 8:17). As God's children, Christians have certain rights, but they also have responsibilities as God's intercessors (Revelation 1:6).

What Scripture Says
The Church Is Christ's Body
How To Find The Church For You
As You Pray
Suggested Reading

What Scripture Says

"Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them (the Church)" (Acts 2:41).

"And He is the Head of the Body, the Church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).

"For both He who sanctifies and those (the Church) who are being sanctified are all of One, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:11).

"In this the children of God (the Church) and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother (the Church)" (1 John 3:10).

"Likewise greet the Church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia to Christ" (Romans 16:5).

[top]

The Church Is Christ's Body

If we love Jesus, we must also love His Church. Every born-again Christian is a member of the greater Body, referred to simply as the Church.

The Church is of vital importance for spiritual strength and growth. But you need to determine of which local congregation you should be a part. Don't confuse the Church with a building. The Bible states that where two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, He is in their midst.

Each local congregation is a member of the greater Body of Christ. That means you should not turn your back on congregations other than your own. To do so, would be to accuse them before God as not being His. And that is not for any man to judge. To love Christ is to love His Church, no matter what name distinguishes one congregation from another.

Great wisdom is to be found among many counselors who are seeking God. Therefore, it is not good to be isolated from the rest of the Body of Christ. Just as the gifts are given to individuals for the benefit of all, wisdom should be shared among many for the benefit of all (1 Corinthians 12:7).

[top]

How To Find The Church For You

The most important part of your relationship to Christ and His Church is that you are born again. The Holy Spirit can then lead you to the right local church.

Which local church you should be part of is between you and God. You must determine where He wants you, both for your benefit and for the benefit of others in the Body of Christ. For referral to some possibilities in your area, please contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you.

It is important to belong to a local church. When you commit yourself to be a part of the ministry of that church, you will experience greater spiritual growth. Then you will best be able to contribute your spiritual gifts and help meet the needs of the Body of Christ for the edification of all.

[top]

As You Pray

As you seek God's will as to which local body you should join, thank and praise God for leading you to a Spirit-filled church for Christian fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Expect Him to do so — He will honour your request.

[top]

Church Membership

What Scripture Says

The Church Is Christ's Body

How To Find The Church For You

As You Pray

Suggested Reading

PRAYER CENTRE