Why GCBCU Offers Membership

In every generation, believers have gathered not only to worship, but to belong.  Church membership is not a modern idea — it’s a biblical expression of our unity in Christ and our shared commitment to His mission.

 

1. The Early Church
When believers gathered in the book of Acts, ‘They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers’ (Acts 2:42).  The early church was steadfast — united in faith, teaching, and love for one another. Their focus was on unity in the truth.  One of the best ways to preserve that unity today is through a shared understanding of what we believe — expressed in our doctrinal statement and strengthened through church membership.

Fellowship should always be a time of joy and encouragement, not confusion or division. Membership helps provide clarity, harmony, and accountability so that our fellowship remains rooted in truth, love, and peace.

 

2. Christ Calls Us to Follow Him
Throughout His ministry, Jesus invited people to follow Him. Scripture shows that many believed, yet He chose twelve to walk closely with Him — those called to deeper relationship, accountability, and purpose.

In the same way, church membership is a response to Christ’s call to commitment. It’s not about exclusivity — it’s about dedication. Membership identifies those who stand together in faith, serve faithfully, and support the mission of the church. It unites like-minded believers who desire to grow in Christ and advance His kingdom together through the local church.

 

3. Membership Gives Clear Support to the Weak and the Searching:

Many who walk through the doors of a church are hurting, new to faith, or unsure of where they belong. Church membership provides a foundation of care and guidance for them.  It enables leaders to train and equip members to serve meaningfully and to offer support to those in need.

Membership also demonstrates a deeper level of commitment — both to Christ and to one another. Through this commitment, the church becomes a place of healing, encouragement, and spiritual growth for all who enter.

 

4. Church Membership Is Like the Walls of Jerusalem:
In the Old Testament, the walls of Jerusalem were not built to keep people out — they were built to protect what God had established within.  The walls gave structure, safety, and identity to God’s people, reminding them they were part of something sacred.

In the same way, church membership surrounds and strengthens the body of believers.

It creates a spiritual boundary of love, accountability, and shared faith.  Within these “walls,” members grow together, serve one another, and guard the truth that unites them.

Membership isn’t about exclusion — it’s about protection, belonging, and purpose.
Just as Nehemiah led God’s people to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls for the glory of God, we too commit to building and preserving the spiritual walls of our local church, for His glory and the good of His people.

 

5. Membership Protects the Purity and Witness of the Church:
In Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5, Jesus and Paul describe how the church should lovingly correct and restore those who fall into sin. This assumes a known community — those who are “inside” versus those who are “outside.”Membership allows the church to maintain holiness and integrity before God and a watching world.

 

6. Membership Declares Our Commitment to Christ’s Mission:
Jesus said, ‘By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35). Church membership makes that love visible.  It’s a public declaration that we stand with God’s people, that we are part of His work in the world, and that we will join hands with others to advance the gospel locally and globally.

 

7. Membership Builds Community and Identity:
In a world that glorifies independence, church membership reminds us that we are one body with many members.  Each believer has unique gifts that find meaning in community.  Just as a hand cannot live apart from the body, a Christian cannot thrive apart from the church.  Membership isn’t about joining an organization — it’s about belonging to a family that serves, prays, and grows together.

 

8. Membership Reflects Biblical Order
The New Testament shows that the early church knew who belonged and who did not. Paul instructed Timothy on maintaining order within ‘the house of God, which is the church of the living God’ (1 Timothy 3:15).  Such organization implies recognizable membership — a structure that supports spiritual growth and good stewardship.

 

9. Membership Strengthens Accountability:
Scripture teaches, ‘Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls’ (Hebrews 13:17).  Pastors can only shepherd those who willingly identify as their flock, and believers can only be shepherded by those they have chosen to follow.

Church membership creates that mutual commitment — it’s how believers say, ‘You can count on me, and I trust you to care for my soul.’

 

Conclusion
Church membership is a gift, not a burden.  It expresses our shared faith, protects our unity, and strengthens our witness.  Through membership, we declare that we belong to Christ, to one another, and to the mission He has given us — to glorify God and make disciples of all nations.