Bible Question: What, if anything, does God say about church membership? My family has been going to a church for two years, but have not become members. We attend every service, are extremely active in several ministries there, tithe faithfully, and are always willing to help out in ANY way we can. Our pastor asked my husband yesterday when we planned on joining the church. My husband said, as nicely as he could, that he did not feel led of the Lord to join just now. Our pastor got angry and said that everything that we do for God meant nothing without being a member of a church, and that we would not receive any eternal blessings for any of it? WHAT? We just want to see lost people find Jesus, that would be our greatest reward. Does anyone know where he is getting that from? |
Bible Answer: He is just trying to bully you. I can't beleave he said something so stupid. Your husband probably hasn't felt led by God to become a member because he needs to pray about going somewhere else. The Bible does not say anything about being a church member because they didn't have roll call at the time. You do not have to be a member of any churc to make God happy. However, as a minister myself I would encourage you to find a good church that you are comfortable being a member of. Being signed up as a memeber of a church body shows unity to others. But it is not required for any reward in heaven. P.S. you might check and see if your pastor's salary is based on how many members he has. I have seen that before. |