What is church membership? For that matter, what is the church? The church has been described in many different ways, varying in accuracy. The Apostle Paul speaks of the church as the “body of Christ.” The members of the church in this metaphor are the various parts of the body: eye, ear, hand, etc. Another descriptive symbol for the church is that of a ship. The imagery is derived from Noah’s ark that saved he and his family from the flood. Hence the church is the means by which those in it are saved from the sea of disbelief, persecution and sin in the world. The Scriptures employ other metaphors for the church such as a flock, a house built from living stones and the bride of Christ to name a few. Each one underscores a unique characteristic of God’s church.

I kind of like the metaphor of “member”ship, as opposed to membership. The church is made up of many different members and parts, each one functioning together for the good of the whole body. Church membership is not the same as that of being a member of some civic organization or club. You don’t just fill out a form, pay your dues and join. Generally these kinds of memberships bring with them perks and benefits for ‘members only.’ Biblical church member-ship is more about serving, and functioning together for the sake of the whole body – its mission, purposes and ministries. The concept of an “inactive church member” is really an oxymoron! If you are not involved, active and serving in the work and ministry of the church, you’re really not a member. Your name may still be on the church roster, but you’re not a functioning member. While we may lament or joke about so called “CEO” church members (Christmas and Easter Only), it’s not at all humorous! It is not at all God pleasing! The Gospel lesson from this past Sunday really made this quite clear when Jesus said to His disciples, “If you love Me you will obey My commands.” (John 14:15). Jesus’ commands and will is that we love and serve (ministry) as He did, that we not despise His Word and Sacraments, and so on.

The leadership of Trinity Lutheran Church and I have been wrestling with maintaining integrity with God’s Word and will regarding church membership. We have discussed the best way to reach out to ‘members’ who have not attended worship or Holy Communion for a very long time, nor been involved in any way. NOTE: This is not about those who are ill, shut-in, serving in the military, or away at school! This pertains to those who prefer to be members (associates), rather than functioning members of the body of Christ. I am planning to address this ministry concern more in future newsletters. In the mean time:

• Pray for all those who are connected to Trinity Lutheran that they be living functioning members of the church!
• Consider your own calling to be a ministering member of Christ’s church. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move you to use the gifts you have been given to serve, support, and function with the other members.
• Commit to the regular study of God’s Word, to prayer, worship, growth and fruitfulness!
• Strive to not let the church be about you, your preferences and your expectations. Rather, let your aim be to serve and function for the glory of God and the blessing of others!
• Pray for our church leaders and avoid criticizing them and complaining about them.

~ Pastor Dennis Krueger