REGISTER FOR THE NEXT MEMBERSHIP CLASSES HERE
Why should we commit to membership in the local body?
Often we get questions from those attending SGBC about why they should become members if they are currently faithful in attending. Pastor Eric Borgstrom seeks to answer that very question with these 5 evidences for membership to the local church in the New Testament.
1. The Example of the Early Church
An examination of the book of Acts demonstrates that when an individual trusted in Christ for salvation they were added to a local assembly of believers. (Acts 2:41, 47; 5:14; 16:5).
Furthermore, it is clear that there were known members and servants of particular local churches. (Romans 16:1, Colossians 4:12)
2. The Existence of Church Government
Members are required to submit to elders and elders are required to care for the flock of God allotted to their charge. (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:17)
3. The Exercise of Church Discipline
To practice church discipline there must be a definable group of people who hold one another accountable. There must be a way to distinguish who is in the church and who is out of the church. (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, 1 John 2:19)
4. The Exhortation to Mutual Edification
God has called every believer to a life devoted to the growth of the body of Christ. If someone is not a member of a local church how can they fulfill the myriad of “one anothers” in the New Testament?
The following passages, and many others like them, were written to local churches and were to be fulfilled in those churches: (Romans 12:10, 12:16, 15:7, 15:14, 16:16, Galatians 6:2, Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11, 5:13, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Peter 4:9, 4:10)
5. The Explanation of the Church as a Body
Local church membership is implied in the metaphor of the body. The imagery of the body of Christ expects cooperation and dependence of its many members with one another. It demands a mutuality. Each member is NOT only related to Christ the Head but also to one another. (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 4:25).
Becoming a Member at SGBC
Saving Grace Bible Church membership process begins with filling out a membership packet and turning it in to any elder or turning it in at the office. Each person must fill out their own packet. After we receive the packet, we will contact the person(s) to make sure they are aware of when the next classes are scheduled. Attending the membership classes is a mandatory step in becoming a member at Saving Grace.
If you would like to participate in the next membership classes in March, please turn in your membership packets by February 15 and we will email you the next steps in the membership process. Packets turned in after February 15 will be considered for the following membership class in the fall.
Online form below if you prefer to electronically submit.
