CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Acts 2:47 closes by saying, “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”  Those who were being saved, were those who had gladly received Peter’s instructions and had complied with them.  These people had repented of their sins and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:37)  From this statement, we establish that when a person is baptized, they are added to the church.  

If one is baptized at Midway, unless otherwise stated, it is assumed he is a member of this local congregation of God’s people.  When Christians move into the area, as many have done here; it could be made publicly known that you want to be considered a member of the church that meets at Midway in Sarasota.  This procedure is not something that is detailed in the Bible, but it is our custom and a way of doing things in an orderly manner. Just by making the statement to do so, the baptized believer is then recognized a member of the local work.

Placing membership in a local congregation is about commitment.  When one makes the statement that they want to be a part of a local work, they are saying they want to work and support the programs of that local congregation.  If the congregation has elders, which they should, then they are placing themselves under the oversight and teaching of that specific group of men.  Those elders are to be watchful of the new member’s soul, and if he grows careless, it is their duty to teach, encourage and admonish him.   

We usually use the invitation time to accept and announce membership.  I think it is appropriate to let the elders or leaders of the local congregation be made aware of your desire to work with a local congregation, and allow them to proclaim to the church your desire.  Again, we are not instructed to do this in the Bible, so it is not a fixed rule. 

An idea that might have Biblical support is the presenting of reference from your previous congregation to the new one.  When Apollos went from Ephesus to Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples there to receive him. (Acts 18:27)  Paul could also be setting precedent when he instructs the church at Rome to accept Phoebe.  (Romans 16:1-2)  He is essence is giving her a written reference for her new congregation. 

From the statement at the close of Acts 2, that the Lord adds to our number after one has met the requirements that those on Pentecost did of hearing, believing, and being baptized for the remission of sins.  There is but one baptism and that is immersion for the remission of sins.  If a person has not been immersed for the remission of sins then that does not meet the requirements of Scriptural baptism and they should be re-baptized to be in compliance with God’s direction in this matter.  One must make a decision to do this and thus infant baptism would also not be Scriptural.  If you have any doubts about whether or not you were properly baptized, do not take any chances; address it quickly.