Church Membership?

[Tea]

I’ve heard many pastors say that church membership is absolutely necessary for them to identify the flock that they’re shepherding.

But wouldn’t anyone who regularly attends church, has given a genuine profession of faith, and has been baptized be considered part of the flock?

Is church membership necessary? Why, or why not?

 

[JonC]

I think it depends on what you mean by "membership".

I attend a church that does not have a "church roll", per se. We have a contact list, but not an official membership.

The important part is to be a part of the body (which is more how you function within the church rather than being on an official list).

 

[Salty]

It is important for legal reasons

First - voting - who is allowed to vote?
Is a 5 year old who professed and then baptized be allowed to vote? Esp on a $200,000 loan from the bank
Should someone who is not attended in 5 years be allowed to vote?
The list can go on and on.

What do your State/Commonwealth laws require.

Membership = commitment.

When it comes to marriage - we want to see an actual commitment- ie a wedding ceremony

Likewise - we need to have a commitment to our church.

 

[Deacon]

It is important for legal reasons

Membership is particularly important when dealing with church discipline.
Members submit themselves to discipline by the leadership.
With non-members, discipline can become rather dicey.

Rob

 

[Ben1445]

Membership is particularly important when dealing with church discipline.
Members submit themselves to discipline by the leadership.
With non-members, discipline can become rather dicey.

Rob

It is hard to remove a nonmember from membership.
I don’t disagree with your point.
There is more than membership to be dealt with. There is a consideration of fellowship. This must also be addressed in church discipline. I don’t mean to say that you have neglected the thought.
There are other things that need to be addressed apart from voting rights.