For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…For the body does not consist of one member but of many.
Corinthians 12:12-13
Call to Covenant Membership
For many years in most Western countries, church membership has meant nothing more than occasional attendance and recognition by the church treasurer, with little expectation of participation in any meaningful way. But low personal commitment is exactly the opposite of how the church is described in the Bible. Jesus gave himself entirely for the church, the covenant people of God. He said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it” [Matt. 16:18]. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit did what man cannot do: he baptized new believers into Christ and into the body of Christ [1 Cor. 12:13]. Thus, the Bible teaches that someone who belongs to Jesus Christ, belongs to Christ’s Body.
There has never been, nor is there now, any option for solo Christianity. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you must belong to His body, His church. Jesus teaches throughout the Gospels that the demands and personal commitment of the Christian life are high. He has given his all for us. How can He expect little or nothing of us in return?
Membership is Not for Everyone
Not everyone is called to covenant membership in this particular church. We are a unique group: church planting, in the Anglican tradition and so on.We have a big vision, and so we need people for this work. But the bottom line is that we simply don’t need you to commit to membership, if you aren’t called to join yourself to this work of God.
You are always welcome at Grace Church.
If you aren’t sure that God is calling you to covenant membership at this time, know that you are welcome to come and receive. You are not a second-class citizen. The Lord Himself joins us to the local church. Until He has done that in you, we prefer that you come and let Him bless you through your participation.