Why Membership?

Why do the Yankees all wear the same uniform? To identify that they are on the same team. Why do married people wear wedding rings? To symbolize their commitment to a partner. Why do we Christians get baptized? To go public with our faith in Jesus Christ.

In the same way, church membership identifies your willingness to formally and publicly align with the mission, values, and beliefs of your church.

There are many reasons for having formal membership, but here are just a few.

Membership is a way to formally and publicly align with the mission, values and beliefs of Cornerstone.

One.

Formal membership is valuable to the leaders of the church as they guide the church body. Our mission here at Cornerstone Baptist Church is “to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” We have been put here to reach the uncommitted, the unbelievers, the unchurched. But at some point it is important to identify those who truly comprise the “family” at Cornerstone, the core that can be counted on to build and sustain the ministries of the church. These committed “family members” should receive priority in the allocation of finite church resources as commanded in Galatians 6:10.

Two.

Accountability. While it is true that everyone can participate in just about anything around here, there are certain leadership responsibilities that are reserved for those who have made themselves accountable to the church through membership. Even if you are not yet ready to become a leader yourself, you may be relieved to know that those members in leadership positions have agreed through membership to support this ministry and to be held accountable.

Three.

Even though you will not find the term “church member” in Scripture, it seems that the concept of belonging is found throughout the New Testament. Believers clearly identified themselves with a specific local body and were challenged to become devoted participants.

Four.

Experience shows that membership benefits the individual. In a culture where commitment is no longer highly valued, recognizable membership is an important step that moves each of us off the sidelines and into the game.

It presents a challenge to publicly affirm a commitment to Christ and to a specific local body. It is letting church leadership know, “You can count on me.”

Maybe you hesitate because you have questions about baptism. We’d love to talk to you about it. And we would enjoy getting to know you while we walk with you through your questions and concerns.

So, while you won’t receive an engraved plaque or a reserved parking spot when you become a member, you will draw great satisfaction from knowing that you are instrumental in leading others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We need your partnership.

Frequently asked questions about membership