Membership Matters

In this message, Michael Treat examines the biblical importance of church membership and challenges believers to see the local church as more than a place to attend. Beginning with Romans 12 and the picture of Christians as one body, Michael explains that Scripture describes the church as the household of God, the body of Christ, the flock of God, and a pillar and buttress of the truth. While the Bible may not contain a direct command saying “join a church,” Michael argues that the many responsibilities Scripture gives to Christians toward one another make a compelling case for meaningful commitment to a local church. He explains that pastors are called to shepherd a specific flock, believers are called to serve and care for one another, and the church is strengthened when its members are united around biblical truth. Michael also warns against isolating from the church, emphasizing that Christians need one another to grow spiritually and obey the many “one another” commands of Scripture, including encouraging, forgiving, bearing burdens, praying, serving, and loving one another. Ultimately, the message calls college students to recognize the value of belonging to a local church, participating in its mission, and faithfully living as members of the body of Christ.