Inclusion in the Church
To become part of the church one simply has to be a believer. To be born again is to be born into the body of Christ. This inclusion is automatic, however as part of the body, a person needs to fully engage in the life of the church to experience all the benefits of the church. Scripture teaches that the church has a specific role and carries out specific tasks. One of those rolls is in the gathering of its members. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to, “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Acts 2:42–47 gives us a template of some of the things the church should be engaged in such as teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, prayer, being together, having all things in common,generosity, gathering, family life, and a heart for the lost. The activities of the church necessitate active participation in the local church.
The Local Church
While the church is a universal body comprised of members all around the world, it also manifests itself in local gatherings. We see this and the fact that Paul addresses various letters to churches who have gathered in different cities. In Philippians 1:1 Paul writes, “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi.” We also see that these various gatherings had elders (Acts 20:17) who served as overseers. The increased number of gatherings provides the opportunity for more people to use their gifts to edify the church. Every church that is planted provides the opportunity for more people to exercise their gifts.
Church Membership
The local church helps to strengthen individuals within the church and the structure of membership provides necessary accountability. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19-21, “but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” As Christians we have a citizenship and membership which is heavenly and different from any membership we would otherwise have on earth. Yet while we are on earth we are to place ourselves under the leadership of elders in the local church. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” This authority structure is necessary to experience the care and accountability that we need. Paul writes extensively to the church at Corinth about how to carry out discipline when sexual immorality arises in the church. This can only be carried within a leadership structure which is localized.