Ministries

Church Membership at Bethel PCA: Living as the Body of Christ

The Bible provides many descriptions of the church, but none is more important than this: the church is the body of Christ. As His body, we are a living organism, made up of interconnected members who depend on one another. Our union with Christ brings us into fellowship with Him and with one another (Romans 12:5). Interestingly, the New Testament contains more commands about how we relate to each other than about our duties to the world or even to God. This shows us that our relationship with God is most often reflected in how we relate to fellow believers (1 John 3:23; 4:7, 20).

Because of this, we must take seriously the fact that we are members of one another. But what does this really mean? For many, church membership may feel like a formality. Yet biblically, membership is about sharing life together. Another biblical word that describes the church is koinonia, meaning fellowship or communion. This communal life is essential to the church’s identity and mission. The church cannot exist or grow without it. The natural outworking of Christ’s life in us leads us to gather with other believers (Acts 2:44, 46) and to resist the temptation to neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25). A believer who does not experience deep fellowship with their brothers and sisters misses out on the full expression of the church as the body of Christ.

Whether we gather in small groups in homes (Romans 16:3-5) or for corporate worship (Acts 3:1), it is when we are together that the body of Christ functions as it should. As Paul writes in Ephesians, “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16).

The Purpose of Church Membership

Church membership serves the purpose of helping Christians grow in their faith by encouraging and supporting one another. In doing so, we display the love and unity that should characterize God’s people.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12 remind us that each member of the body is essential. God has distributed gifts and abilities to every believer through the Holy Spirit so that the needs of His people are met within the context of fellowship. We grow and serve best in a community where we are connected with one another.

Two key elements define the purpose of membership:

1. Mutual Care: Mutual care is a lifestyle that aligns with the New Testament's commands for how Christians should love and care for one another. This creates a healthy and vibrant church that will naturally impact the world, ultimately bringing glory to God (Romans 11:36).
2. Exercise of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are given to believers to build one another up (1 Peter 4:10). Through the practice of these gifts, the church grows in love and unity. The church becomes a place where every member is involved, and spiritual gifts are awakened, recognized, and used to serve the body (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Key Characteristics of Church Membership

The church is not a place for isolated disciples or "unchurched" believers. Jesus commands us, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Church membership emphasizes this mutual love and care.

Here are some key characteristics of church membership at Bethel Presbyterian Church:

Valuing Relationships

• Love one another (John 13:34-35; 1 Peter 4:8)
• Be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
• Support one another (Colossians 3:13)
• Confess sins to one another (James 5:16)

Building Each Other Up

• Encourage one another (Romans 14:19)
• Instruct one another (Colossians 3:16)
• Counsel one another (Colossians 3:16)
• Share psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19)

Helping One Another

• Serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)
• Bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Practice hospitality (1 Peter 4:9)
• Be kind to one another (Colossians 3:12)
• Pray for one another (James 5:16)

Living in community is essential for every believer. We cannot fully live out our Christian calling on our own; we need the support, encouragement, and accountability that comes from sharing life together in the body of Christ.

Steps to Become a Member at Bethel PCA:

1 - Understand the Gospel
Learn more about the good news of Jesus Christ and God’s plan of salvation. [Click here] for more information.

2 - Learn Who We Are
Discover what we believe and how we live out our faith at Bethel Presbyterian Church. [Click here] to explore.

3 - Study Our Membership Vows
Review the membership vows from the Presbyterian Church in America’s Book of Church Order (section 57-5):

• Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?
• Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?
• Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?
• Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
• Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?

4 - Meet with the Elders
After understanding the Gospel and our beliefs, and reviewing the membership vows, schedule a meeting with the elders of the church.

_______________________

* If you want to understand more about what it means to be a church member in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), click here.

* If you want to become a member of Bethel PCA, click here and send us a message.