Membership

As Christians, we are members of God’s household (Eph. 2:19) called to function, participate, and minister in a particular place within the body of Christ. A healthy body requires that each member do its part well. A healthy church requires the same: members who are sacrificially committed and well-equipped to do the works of service that God has prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10; 4:12). Southway Community Church (SCC) holds its members in high regard; we expect them to lead as missionaries of the gospel to the culture. God, in his sovereignty, placed us in this city, among these people, in this century, for a reason (Acts 17:26-27).

Why Membership?

SCC is a family, adopted by God (Gal. 4:6-7; Eph. 1:5). We care for each other, pray for each other, and serve together. If you’re already a Christian, if you’re already in some form of SCC community, if you’re already giving of your finances and your time, then you’re already fulfilling some functions of a member.

If you’re not a Christian, please do not worry about membership until you’ve been reconciled to God though Jesus. If you are a Christian who has spent a lot of time at SCC, however, search your heart and identify your hesitation. There may be valid reasons to abstain from SCC membership. But we’re rebels by our cursed nature; if you bristle at the very idea of becoming a member, ask yourself why–and don’t hesitate to speak with an elder. We value membership as a public expression of a deeper commitment of the church.

What are the benefits of being a member?

Scripture calls us a body, a family, a household–being a Christian is not a solo effort. Jesus works through the church (Eph. 2:10), the church is Jesus’ body (1 Cor. 12:27), and apart from Jesus, you can do nothing (John 15).You don’t join for the perks–although members do enjoy greater access to one another, and certain volunteer opportunities are only available to members.  Additionally, only members are allowed to vote in congregational meetings.

*Adapted from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington.