What Does The Bible Say About Placing Membership With A Church?

What Does The Bible Say About Placing Membership With A Church?

Bro. John:
Does the Bible say anything about "Placing membership?" I have been a Christian for a short time and only recently heard of such a practice.
-Jeff

Dear Jeff:
This practice is widespread, almost universal, among our churches. Just as we announce when a person has been saved (baptized) and added to the church so that all will be aware of the fact and welcome him or her, so when a fellow-Christian decides he wishes to be part of another congregation he will indicate that and the leaders will announced that Bro. Jones has placed his membership with us. Something kin to this is seen in Acts 9:26-28 where we read of the newly converted Saul of Tarsus who "assayed to join himself to the disciples at Jerusalem. They were afraid of him because of his past record. But good brother Barnabas vouched for his conversion and they welcomed him. We encourage folks to identify with or place their membership with a congregation so they and the congregation will feel they are part of our local family and we can count on their help. Some folks like to drift from congregation to congregation, never accepting any responsibility nor being helpful in the work. If one is an identified member of a local church the members can look after him in case of illness, or if he has special needs. If he should fall away they could try to reclaim him.

Many congregations write a letter of recommendation for those who leave them in good standing. An example of such a letter which Paul wrote for Phoebe is seen in Rom. 16:1-2. When the recipient finds a congregation in his new location, he will present this to the leaders so they will have no doubts as to his faithfulness in the Lord. While this is not considered a binding law, I encourage the practice. It is helpful to the individual and the church at which he presents himself.

Sincerely,

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