Membership
What should I look for in a church?
9MarksDoes being a member of a church mean I’m a Christian?
9MarksNo. Turning from your sin and trusting in Christ makes you a Christian, not being a member of a church.
However, church membership is meant to be a church’s corporate affirmation of your profession of faith in Christ. Membership is supposed to be the church saying, “We’ve looked at your life. We’ve heard your testimony and your explanation of the gospel. You look like a Christian to us, so we’re happy to affirm you as a Christian, welcome you as a brother in Christ, and care for you and watch over you.”
Is a Christian obligated to treat members of his church any differently than he treats other Christians?
9MarksThe apostle Paul urges Christians to do good to all men, especially those who are of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). But the Bible also seems to indicate that Christians have a special responsibility to love, admonish, and care for those who are members of their local church.