Connecting Point: More Than a Member

I have been entertaining the question: What will the church be? History says the church in the world builds life. “You cannot pray at home, like you can at church, where there is a great multitude; where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the unions of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, and the prayers of priests,” (John Chrysostom). It is so in America I would more than argue. Our early foundations are directly tied to churches. Now nearly 250 years later we are seeing a drastic shift away from Christian influence.

“The concept of an inactive church member,” said Pastor Thom Rainer, “is an oxymoron. Biblically no such church member exists.” Rainer expresses at core why our churches are declining. Now let me be clear, numbers in the pews aren’t the metric we need to focus on continuously. However, we cannot ignore the facts. Lower church attendance today is due in part because less people give of their time and efforts. Priorities, is it a matter of priorities? It is something more. Is it fear?

One approach that I’ve taken as a pastor is to encourage people to be more than just a “member.” If your life and family have busy schedules, set some form of regular connection with your local church. Maybe you’re gone out of town on several weekends a month? Set a priority to be present regularly at least once or twice a month, and be consistent. Maybe your work schedule makes it impossible to be part of the typical Sunday gathering. Inquire about other opportunities to get involved in small groups during the week. Remember, God views you as more than just a member. Let us be part of your community, and we need you. (Not just the other way around.)

In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul likens each church individual to part of a body; ear, eye, head, etc. “Now the body is not made up of one part but of many,” (1 Corinthians 12:14). God has designed us to be part of something greater than ourselves. When we function together as a whole unit more can be accomplished for you, me, and our community.

Furthermore, when we join together with other believers in Jesus regularly, we grow in accountability. I’ve seen such growth in people, and I don’t want to say I’m getting old at this, but I’ve been around. Going through life alone is sad, and joyless. Okay, I’ve made my point.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement, give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. This is so, that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 15:5-6). United together we make a greater impact in this world, and the church is a part of the fabric of our country.