Is placing membership in a congregation mandated by scripture? I have always felt where there was an eldership it was expedient to do so to let the elders know they wanted their oversight and guidance but where theres no eldership, I do not see the necessity to do so. Your thoughts?
I've never really considered it too deeply. I think it is helpful to the elders, as you've pointed out. I've always looked at it as saying, "This is the congregation we are going to be involved in and the one we will gather to worship with."
I think when you're immersed in Christ you are added to His church, his universal church. You are actually a member of any congregation you worship with.
That's true. I think our term "placing membership" can probably be a little confusing because like you said, a Christian is already a member of the church. I think our idea of it is more the idea of identifying which individual "flock" we are going to serve in so the shepherds of that flock know which sheep they are responsible for.
Amen
Is placing membership in a congregation mandated by scripture? I have always felt where there was an eldership it was expedient to do so to let the elders know they wanted their oversight and guidance but where theres no eldership, I do not see the necessity to do so. Your thoughts?
I've never really considered it too deeply. I think it is helpful to the elders, as you've pointed out. I've always looked at it as saying, "This is the congregation we are going to be involved in and the one we will gather to worship with."
I think when you're immersed in Christ you are added to His church, his universal church. You are actually a member of any congregation you worship with.
That's true. I think our term "placing membership" can probably be a little confusing because like you said, a Christian is already a member of the church. I think our idea of it is more the idea of identifying which individual "flock" we are going to serve in so the shepherds of that flock know which sheep they are responsible for.
I agree