What does membership mean to you?

Dear Friends –

The Book of Order (the Presbyterian Church’s constitution) has this to say about The Ministry of Members (G-1.0304).

            “Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ is a joy and a privilege. It is also a commitment to participate in Christ’s mission. A faithful member bears witness to God’s love and grace and promises to be involved responsibly in the ministry of Christ’s Church. Such involvements includes:

Ø  Proclaiming the good news in word and deed,

Ø  Taking part in the common life and worship of a congregation,

Ø  Lifting one another up in prayer, mutual concern, and active support,

Ø  Studying Scripture and the issues of Christian faith and life,

Ø  Supporting the ministry of the church through the giving on money, time, and talents,

Ø  Demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the service to others,

Ø  Living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life, working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment,

Ø  Participating in the governing responsibilities of the church, and

Ø  Reviewing and evaluating regularly the integrity of one’s membership, and considering ways in which one’s participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful.”

So….how are you doing? For me, it is important to remember the two sides of membership – it is both a joy and a privilege. It is a joy to serve God when we are able to use our gifts in service to others. It is a privilege to take seriously our commitment to working together to build up the church of Jesus Chirst.

What does membership mean to you? How might you better use your gifts in service to God? What can we do better to help one another become the church God wants us to be? I’d love to hear from you!

Be blessed-

Pastor John