The church IS its members. Grace Covenant Church is not merely a building, but a group of committed members. Our members use their unique gifting and abilities to accomplish our mission to Love Big, Grow Deep and Go Out! In 1 Corinthians, Paul doesn’t say that the church is LIKE a body, rather it IS a body. Your part in this church body is important! We invite you to be “all in”!
(By Elizabeth Hyndman)
Two of the most beautiful words in the English language are “I’m in.”
I love hearing those words. Whether it’s an invite to coffee or a last-minute road trip or a Bible study or a celebration. “I’m in” means, “Yes, let’s do this. Together.” Dr. Thom Rainer, in his book, I Will, talks about the attitude with which we approach church. We often think of it as, “I want …” or “I am …”, but Dr. Rainer challenges us to approach church as a place where we will say, “I will.” I will worship. I will grow. I will serve. I will give. I will go. I will make a difference.
It is becoming increasingly popular to go to church and to say, “I will” to many of these things, but not become a church member. And, admittedly, formal church membership is not in the Bible. The first century Christians didn’t have to walk an aisle, fill out a communication card, or move their letter when they decided to be a part of the local body of believers.
But in order to truly have an attitude of “I will,” we must also have an attitude of “I’m in.” Church membership says, “I’m in. Yes, let’s do this. Together.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” When we say, “I will” to church membership, we are committing to be concerned about one another and to encourage one another. We are committing to coming together to worship.
Ephesians 3:10 speaks of our mission as the church, “This is so God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.” When we say, “I will” to church membership, we are saying we will make known who God is.
Saying “I will” to church membership is essentially saying, “I’m in.” I will worship, go, give, serve, grow, make a difference because I’m in this. It is a commitment to God and to one another.
“I’m in. Yes, let’s do this. Together.”
Elizabeth Hyndman is a Content and Production Editor for LifeWay. Read more from Elizabeth at edhyndman.com or on Twitter @edhyndman.
Grace Membership Process:
1. Complete the 4-Week Connect Course.
2. Sign & submit the membership covenant (have this as a link to a copy of the Covenant – saved in this folder) and include a written testimony.
