Why Membership?

Ever since I first purchased a ticket series for the CSO there have been numerous attempts made to get me to take the next step. There are a variety of Symphony subscription packages that increase a person’s level of involvement to attend more concerts. Responding to those calls and letters I am made aware of the unconscious dynamics that go on between a Church and our regular attendees who have not yet become members. Like the Symphony when we invite people to membership classes we might seem like we’re “selling” something. We might seem pushy, or insensitive. Our timing could be off a little. People might feel as if they are not ready for the commitment, afraid of what this all means. I can relate! Last year in a moment of weakness I said yes to an exterminator and have had a harder time getting rid of the company than I ever had getting rid of those pesky ants.

If someone were to honestly ask you why should he become a member of Kenwood Baptist Church, could you offer some wise counsel that would encourage the person to take the next step? Here are some things you could answer in response.

• In joining: I was able to clarify and articulate my beliefs more clearly as I explored the faith statement of this Church. It’s been great to know what we believe and I’m excited about our shared vision!
• I discovered that the entire membership is regularly prayed for in the prayer room.
• My spiritual growth has been accelerated.
• I found that more people know me by name and have made me feel missed when I am absent.
• I began to participate more in groups, activities and ministries. I enjoy Church more!
• I felt more motivated to support the ministry financially because I believe in it and want to show my love for God by making a commitment here.

A commitment to a Church is a hard thing to make. It’s a lot like making a commitment to Jesus. We need to count the cost and be thankful that we don’t have to pay the price! It’s not surprising that from time to time people attend membership classes and hear the gospel for the first time in a way that makes sense to them. In the book of Acts when someone was baptized into the faith she was baptized into the Church family at the same time. Believers worshiped regularly with the people of God in their community. It was because they became a body. It says in Romans 12:5 “…in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” The real issue is: Do we belong to the people at Kenwood Baptist Church? We want our newcomers to join our Church, but we also want our members to belong to the people of God here. That isn’t simply a function of speaking membership vows and finding ourselves in the Church database. It is a way of surrendering individuality and control to the extent that you’re an ear or an eye, or a hand that could never say to the body on any Sunday, ‘I don’t need you.’ (I Cor. 12:21.) The apparently weaker parts, according to I Cor. 12:22 are indispensable!

The reception of new members is a time when we unite corporately. From a variety of ages, groups and backgrounds we stand together and welcome our newcomers into a single family! As members you may express commitment to the body of Christ by: praying for people who are considering joining Kenwood Baptist Church. Then keep right on praying for them after they join! Our next membership class is August 12 and 19 followed by an August 26 baptism. Reflecting on why people should join Kenwood Baptist Church is something we should do together, for newcomers and also for ourselves. Thanks for helping us!