Church Membership & Discipline

Jesus proclaimed “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18

For many who claim to be “born again,” the level of commitment to a local church seems at an all-time low.

The local church appears to be viewed as the great evangelical option. If people have the time and the
inclination, they might consider joining the membership rolls and donating an hour or so of their time per week.

Church Membership is Biblical

Through several indirect biblical references it is evident that a verification of membership or a clear understanding of who was regarded as a true part of the church existed.

Membership At Pentecost

Luke’s use of a specific number suggests records were kept of conversions and baptisms.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

Those who had responded to the gospel, not just everyone standing around, were the ones who were joined to the church that day. They willingly (gladly), and in their deeds and actions, were obedient to Peter’s exhortation.

They were a family of believers, committed to Christ and to one another, as they journeyed through life.

Membership At Corinth

I Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are within?

Paul gives clear evidence that the church was able to recognize who was part of the church and who was not.

By quoting the frequent command in Deuteronomy 17:7 to purge or expel the wicked from Israel, Paul draws an important parallel between the Old Testament covenant community and the Christian church. The church has authority to exercise discipline within its own fellowship, not to regulate the behavior of non-Christians.

Membership & Jesus’ Instructions

Church membership is implied by the way the church is supposed to discipline its members. The implication of Matthew 18:15-17 is “the church” is to be the final court of appeal in matters of church authority as it relates to membership.

The Church Must Discipline

Any society based on shared commitments and aims must have the right to discipline itself. If there are stated principles, rules of conduct, goals, and commitments, and then some were to seek from within to destroy those goals or commitments, then any kind of self-contained committed group or society must have the power and commitment to discipline itself.

Members Discipline
Each Other Daily, As we go…

The church membership is to take collective responsibility for each other. We spur each other ON.

When you read Matthew 5 and Matthew 18 side by side, in both cases the offender or the offended is responsible to go to the other. This means that BOTH parties are responsible to go to each other.

The Church Must Discipline

Too many do not understand that spiritual discipline is at it’s very core most of all about God, His righteousness, and His love.

Jesus Speaks of Discipline

Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.

Paul Speaks of Discipline

1 Corinthians 5:13 But those who are outside, God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Discipline is for the purity of the church.
It is clear there are three fundamental areas that demand severe discipline.

1. In doctrine. Failing to confess Jesus as the incarnate Christ.

2. The moral test. Having no intention to live the moral life that Christ commands.

3. The social test. Not desiring to genuinely love the brothers and sisters for Christ’s sake.

If any member is found guilty of these and refuses to repent, then the severe discipline to expel them is required.

We ALL make mistakes and none of us are always as obedient as we should be—we still have to come back to the cross. The church ought to be, must be, and at its best, genuinely IS the most amazingly patient and loving community on the earth.

The goal is the church is to be a pure witness to the world!