Member or Disciple
Should I be a church member?
It is a question never discussed by our Lord. Jesus never spoke about church membership. He simply said, "Come and follow me."
Church membership for some includes things like paying dues and holding membership, similar to other organizations, where if you are a "card carrying member" you are entitled to services.
The apostle Paul used the word member in a special way. He uses it in describing the church as the body of Christ and each of us a member of it. This means that the member is a living, functioning and active part of the body. All parts of the body then work together productively to achieve the purposes of Christ, The Head of the body.
A more common term in the Bible for Christians is disciple. A disciple is a student of the Master. We are all life long students of Jesus.
On the one hand it costs us nothing to become a disciple. In Ephesians 2:8 it says that we are saved by grace though faith and this is a gift from God. But Jesus also says in Luke 14:33, "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."
Jesus teaches us that to be one of his followers we are to be completely surrendered to him.
So, to be a disciple here at Trinity Lutheran includes faith in God's promise of salvation because of Jesus life, death and resurrection and it includes:
* Regular Worship and participation in Holy Communion.
* A commitment to both personal and corporate Bible Study.
* Participation in a small group and or fellowship with other Christians.
* Dedication to a fervent prayer life.
* Living a life of responsible stewardship by the unselfish giving of time, talents (including spiritual gifts) and financial resources.
* Witnessing to the love and teachings of Jesus Christ in word and deed.
THE PROCESS TO BECOME A MEMBER/DISCIPLE AT TRINITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE LUTHERAN CHURCH
If you have not been confirmed in the Lutheran Church you are invited to come to the New Member Class that is offered twice a year. (September and January) The class has three parts:
Part one covers the basics of the Christian Faith from a Lutheran perspective. This includes the Ten Commandments, the Creed, Baptism, Holy Communion and Confession. (9 weeks)
Part two is the Network Spiritual Gift Seminar where you will discover your gifts, passion and personal style. (3 weeks)
Part three is a session with Pastor Paul. He will share with you the mission and vision of the church and what it means to be a disciple. (1 week)
You can also take this class for ‘information only", with no obligation to join. You will find it to be a valuable experience even if you never become a member of Trinity.
IF YOU ARE ALREADY A CONFIRMED LUTHERAN
For those confirmed Lutherans who would normally be received by a transfer from another Lutheran church, or by reaffirming their Lutheran faith after a time of non-involvement, you are encouraged to also take step 1, the basics of the Christian faith. If you decide not to take step 1 you are asked to join the new member class for both steps 2 (Network) and 3 (Sunday with Pastor Paul).
Please contact Craig Cooper, Director of Christian Outreach, with any questions regarding the membership process.
