Becoming a part of a church family is a crucial decision. A Christian without a church family is like an organ without a body. They have no place in which to function and thrive. By joining Our church family, one becomes part of a community. Here they can serve, be encouraged, and be a partner in our ministry around the world and right here in Kampala-Uganda.
Membership within the body of Christ and the local church is dependent upon belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and a demonstration of this commitment through baptism in water. People who do not confess Christ or refuse to be baptized in water are not considered members of the body of Christ or the local church. We are the body of Christ, not a club or an organization that one may join merely for individual gain or recognition.
Fellowship within a group of believers in Jesus Christ to a local community is not a consumer choice.
It is a responsibility patterned for us in the New Testament. Although we strive to conduct our ministry in a decent and orderly manner (1 Cor 14:40), we consciously aim to fulfill our obligation to help believers minister to the part of the world where God has placed them (Matt 28:19-20). We make every effort to provide worship based on truth and establish a channel of service based on the Great Commission: declare the gospel to the lost and apply the gospel to our daily lives.
Some churches focus on membership as a means to control individuals or families and coerce them into actions/situations where they feel obligated to comply to the church’s wishes based on their current or pending membership.
This will not be the case with us. Membership is an opportunity not an obligation. It may be terminated at anytime by any member with or without cause or explanation. Those who enter into membership do so willingly as a means to remain connected and accountable to a church body, and do so willfully.
Church membership is a commitment that should be taken seriously. Membership is a step of spiritual growth, not an organizational ritual. Following the example of Scripture, here are the benefits of church membership.
1. You become a genuine believer. Ephesians 2:19, Romans 12:5
2. You give love and receive love. Matt 22:37-38
3. Place to discover ones gifts in ministry. 1 Corinthians 12:4-27
4. spiritual protection of godly leaders. Hebrews 13:17.
5. Accountability needed to grow. Ephesians 5:21
It is an antidote for our society. We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything… a job… a marriage… our country.
It defines who can be counted on. Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every army must have an enlistment. Membership identifies our church family, placing us all together on the battlefield for God’s kingdom.
The New Testament knows nothing of a “lone ranger” Christian. Instead it places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other and in relationships with others where spiritual growth can be fostered. You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family. This membership is a commitment and invitation to corporate accountability. It allows us to more easily minister to one another.