Biblical Principles for Meaningful Membership

General 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 A. All believers are called to be faithful members of the Body of Christ, using their gift to encourage others and being encouraged by the gifting of others. B. We need to pay particular attention to each part of the Body. Ephesians 4:11-16 A. All believers are given as gifts to the Body of Christ to fight for the maturity of the Body. B. The goal of the ministry of the Church is the maturity of believers. C. We should labor for this goal because we love each other and in a loving manner. **Summary: All parts are vital for the continuing maturity (goal) of the other parts.

Members and Leaders Hebrews 13:17 A. Members should willingly submit and obey their leaders for their own good. B. Leaders are to keep watch as those who will have to give an account. 1 Peter 5:1-5 A. Elders are to oversee all the members faithfully in a local congregation. B. The flock, for whom the elders must oversee, must be identifiable. C. Members are called to submit to their elders in a local congregation. **Summary: Members must submit in response to faithful oversight of the leadership.

Members toward One Another Hebrews 10:19-25 A. We must recognize that everything we do as a local Church was made possible by Christ. B. In an effort to stir up one another to love and good works, we must attend the regular meetings of the Church and hold one another accountable to do so. C. In an effort to stir up one another to love and good works, we must look for ways to encourage each other. Matthew 18:15-20 A. We must be willing to lovingly confront sin in our community in the way that Jesus commands us here. B. Making membership meaningful will aid us in fighting against sin in our community. C. In light of the difficulty of obedience, we should be encouraged by Jesus’ promise of heavenly authority and His own presence. 1 Corinthians 5 A. Once again, we must be willing to lovingly confront sin in our community, especially unchecked public sin. B. We are to do this for the salvation of the individual and the purity of the Church. Hebrews 3:7-4:13 A. We must recognize the importance of perseverance. B. We must be committed as a Church to encourage one another in the faith. **Summary: Members must encourage one another against sin and toward holiness.