Why Church Membership?
By Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader
One of the key dynamics evolving out of the Modern to Postmodern shift in our culture is a clear disinterest for organizational membership. To people age fifty and older, this new dynamic seems mind-boggling, baffling, and disconcerting. Why would anyone be a part of an organization, but not officially join that organization, especially when it’s a church? Understanding how longer-term members in churches would see church life this way is easy, for those of us who’ve been insiders over time. In addition to the acculturation that comes along with long-term church participation, Modern Era culture (up to 2000 A.D.) also embraced membership. American Express, an iconic American company, capitalized on the high interest in membership with their slogan, “Membership has its privileges,” 1987-1996. A more recent slogan describes how most of America responded to American Express, “Everybody knows that.” The clear operating assumption was that membership is desirable.
Now, for the first time in our life experiences, the membership assumption doesn’t hold. Even though people may be “all in” with their churches, that doesn’t necessarily translate into church membership. Can’t one participate without signing on the dotted line? Gaining certain voting rights or qualifying for committee service are not compelling arguments, especially to those who don’t care much about running organizations.
If we are going to continue church membership as an important aspect of church life, then like all things church related in this swiftly changing context, it must be compelling. Among others, two primary questions arise when considering church membership.
Why membership? What’s compelling or helpful about officially joining this church?
What does membership mean in this church?
The second question is the place to start. With the rise of digital disciples, many churches are having to answer the second question. Is it possible to join our church, as an official member, without living in our geographical community? Sorting through what membership means leads churches to their answers to digital disciples.
So, if you are ready to address the questions, interested in exploring what you might do with antiquated membership expectations, here are five church functions to address. Traditionally membership was part of each of these functions. During this exploration is a grand time to consider how you will continue to provide the functions currently needed in our church context.
Profession of Faith
Baptism, in the New Testament, was the clear and obvious way disciples of Jesus proclaimed their identity as Christ-followers. Baptism continues to function this way, though confirmation is part of this faith profession in some denominations. Church membership has also been part of this faith journey, another way to claim identity in Christ.
Expectations in Covenant Community
What does it mean to be part of the body of Christ, a local body of Christ? What can or should individuals expect from the community of faith? What can or should individuals expect to give to or do for their faith community? Even more, how do you feel about discussing expectations for each other in covenant community? Is that part of your church, or how you want to be church with each other? Some denominations clearly articulate the expectations for those who are part of their churches. Others simply know joining is a bonding experience.
Rite of Passage
Over time, I’ve grown to highly value the rites of passage church life tends to provide. We engage rituals designed for many significant life events. Church membership has been one of those rites of passage into local bodies of Christ. If we aren’t going to continue church membership, then what passageway to interested participants walk in order to pass into the body?
Technical, Structural, and Organizational Responsibilities
Churches are legal organizations, responsible for organizing according to the non-profit rules in their communities. This means they need some kind of formalized structure in order to be a non-profit organization. Determining who is part of these organizations, along with who is responsible for the organization’s actions, are necessary aspects of organizational life. What role does membership play here?
Naming and Helpful Wording
After addressing the functions described above, churches are positioned for selecting a name for those who become members (in older language). Perhaps for many, continuing to refer to those who join as members is their best move forward. Other names rising up are:
Sacred Partners
Covenant Partners
Participants
Owners
I don’t recommend the last name in this list, thinking this may take us out of our lane and into God’s lane. Regardless of the particular name selected, choosing a new name raises all kinds of questions, dialogue, and exploration… just what we are looking for.
So, why membership? When we are equipped with compelling and life-giving answers, it’s likely more people who haven’t decided membership is important will see this differently. When we don’t do the work it takes to reach compelling and life-giving answers, we might expect church membership to wane, eventually becoming a relic from previous times.
Why membership? Only compelling answers will do.