The Three Parts of Following Jesus
“BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 (LB)
“You are a member of God’s very own family . . . and you BELONG in God’s household with every other Christian!” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)
“From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him . . . should BECOME like his Son . . .” Romans 8:29 (LB)
Benefits to Membership
It identifies me as a genuine believer. Ephesians 2:19; Romans 12:5
It gives me a spiritual family for support. Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25
It provides a place to discover and use my gifts in ministry. 1 Cor. 12:4-27
It places me under the spiritual protection of godly leaders. Heb.13:17; Acts 20:28-29
It gives me the accountability I need to grow. Ephesians 5:21
Help people see “Membership” as a step of spiritual growth not an organizational ritual.
Questions YOU Need To Ask
What does God expect from members of His church?
What do we expect from our members right now?
What kinds of people already make up our congregation?
How will that change in the next 5 to 10 years?
What do our members value?
What are new members’ greatest needs?
What are our long-term members’ greatest needs?
How can we make membership more meaningful?
How can we insure that members feel loved and cared for?
What do we owe our members?
What resources or services could we offer our members?
How could we add value to what we already offer?
Questions that PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS ask that you’ll need to answer!
Do I fit here? (acceptance)
Does anybody want to know me? (friendship)
Am I needed? (value)
What is the advantage of joining? (benefit)
What is required of members? (expectations)
How people join your church will determine their effectiveness as members for years.
A strong membership class will grow a strong church.
Outline of CLASS 101: Discovering Your Church Family
Session 1: God’s Purposes For Your Life
“It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for . . . part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11 (Mes)
“Everything, absolutely everything . . . got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16 (Mes)
Session 2: Why You Need A Church Family
“God’s unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
“. . . You are members of God's very own family . . . and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)
“Love your spiritual family!” 1 Peter 2:17b (Mes)
Session 3: Our Statements / What We Believe
“Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said.” Colossians 2:8 (LB)
“Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. Be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (LB)
4 Statements We Cover In Our Membership Class
Session 4: What It Means To Be A Member
“Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body.” Colossians 3:15 (LB)
How God Wants His Church Organized
The Two Ordinances of the Church: Baptism & Lord’s Supper
What it Means to be a Member
Our Membership Covenant
What’s my Next Step?
We have three versions of the 101 Membership Class: Children’s, Youth & Adult. Outlines and resources of Class 101 are available at www.pastors.com.