For years now, 9Marks has argued that church membership is not just a status, it’s a job. By joining a church, you’re not joining a club, you’re stepping into an office. Jesus has given you work to do, and he’s given you the competence and authority to do it.

Most 9Marks Journals aim at pastors and church leaders. This one was written for members. Its purpose is to lay out some of the essential elements of that job. So we called it a guidebook. Print it out. Read it one article at a time over a month. Ask God how you might better serve your fellow members, your pastors, and your non-Christian neighbors.

Many other things in the news and the culture wars might be grabbing your attention right now. But amidst all that, don’t forget to spend time with your kids, be a good neighbor, work hard for your employer, and—our point here—work to build up your church. Aside from caring for your family, it might be the most important thing you can do to make a difference in the world around you, to say nothing of doing eternal good in people’s lives.

So, church member, here is the job you have to do. We pray it encourages you to grow in love for and service to Christ’s bride.

—Jonathan Leeman

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