The beginning of a new year brings with it a host of new year’s resolutions. Among the most common is the resolve to get in shape and join a gym. How many times has your neighborhood gym promised that a new year means a new you -- a stronger, healthier, happier you? But as believers, we are already new. We are new creations in Christ who are guaranteed the ultimate strength and happiness of being God’s children. Yet oftentimes, joining a local church is more daunting than joining a local gym.

Baptism and membership in a local church are the next logical steps after a person is saved. “Salvation unites a person to Christ and the local church provides the avenue to grow in Christ under the preaching of the word,” explains Elder Eric Snyder.

Randy Miller, also an elder at Parkside adds that “it is in the context of the local church that the ‘one anothers’ of Scripture find their life and fulfillment. I believe the sense of commitment as a member [of a local church] leads to further involvement in smaller group settings which leads to the development of more intimate relationships and interdependence. I don't think that unattached believers develop this type of intimacy.”

More Co-Op, Less Club

When considering membership at any organization people often wonder what’s in it for them, but being a member of a church means the opposite. For example, Eric recalls meeting a Parkside member “who had tremendous life experiences that he was willing to share with the younger generation at Parkside. To me this was a picture of how believers use their gifts no matter what their age and how being a Christian involved in a local church transcends age, race, gender, economic status, and any other label that we tend to attach to people.”

“Church membership is a two-way street,” adds Parkside Elder Bill Mills. “On the one hand, it is an invitation to be shepherded by the leaders of the church, and to submit to oversight and accountability from the leadership. On the other hand, it is an opportunity for that member to use his or her God-given gifts and talents to bless and build up the body of Christ in the local church.” (Eph. 4:11-13)

Eric adds that “shepherding has the connotation of guarding the flock and guiding it to nourishment. The elders guard and guide [the members] through regularly praying for the church when we are together, teaching the word, counseling, and disciplining.”

Bill sums it up nicely, “Church membership is an integral part of being a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Being a member in a local church allows an individual to utilize their God-given gifts and talents to bless others by evangelism, encouragement, and service, and allows that same individual to be blessed by the gifts and talents of others in the local body. 1 Cor. 12:27 says, ‘Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.’  This verse gives us a sense of how interdependent we all are in the local body.”

As Parkside seeks to see unbelieving people become committed followers of Jesus Christ, it is the church’s desire that every member have a place to grow and a place to serve.

Sign Me Up!

Parkside offers the Parkside Membership Course which is an ideal class for those who are new to Parkside or those who have been attending for some time and would like to become a member of the church. Taught by the elders of the church, “the membership class [is like] a three-week Bible study that tackles three major topics – the biblical foundation of the church, biblical life within the church, and biblical leadership for the church,” says Eric. “Under these headings a person will get a good idea of what Parkside is all about and have the opportunity to interact with elders during each session.”

“Attenders are encouraged to set [aside] any preconceived thoughts in these areas and let the Bible speak, which may affirm, or perhaps challenge, those beliefs,” says Randy. He adds that “someone attending [this] class can expect to learn about the history of Parkside Church, as well as its doctrines and beliefs. We hope it is helpful for those who attend to get to know at least two of the lay elders, and it is certainly a blessing for us to meet all the attenders.”

At the end of the three classes, individuals may fill out an application, and begin the process of becoming a member. Attending the class does not obligate you to join, but it is required for membership.

The next Parkside Membership Course begins on February 7 at 11:15am and meets in Room A207. The class is held on the first three Sundays of each month. The classes do not need to be completed sequentially and you do not need to pre-register to attend.

More About Membership

To watch a sermon by Pastor Alistair Begg on the importance of church membership, click here.

For more information about attending the Parkside Membership Course, please contact Sandy at smansell@parksidechurch.com.

Already a member? Do you have a place to grow or serve? If not, and you'd like to learn more, please fill out our questionnaire here.