In four short chapters, he articulates the question of church membership, presents the importance of it, defends it, and presents the benefits of it. The first chapter is basically a look at the historical view of membership vs. the “modern” view. Chapter 2 begins a list of ten reasons for church membership. The first reason, the “one anothering” commands of Scripture, fills the remainder of that chapter.
The third chapter begins with the second reason for church membership: The Christian’s responsibility to elders require church membership. Other reasons are discussed in this chapter, including church orderliness, ministry opportunities and ministry privileges. This chapter also includes a very helpful list of questions (21) designed to promote excitement, responsibility and privilege of church ministry, and a list of ministry opportunities (41) designed to demonstrate that there are important ministries for every person in the church if they are willing to accept them.
Finally, the fourth chapter takes up the eighth reason for church membership with a lengthy discussion (compared to the others) of accountability. It finishes with reasons nine and ten, followed by a call to commitment.
Dr. Mack asserts that “many Christians in our day think no more highly of membership in the church than they think of membership in a local country club”. This is a book that every Christian should read – member and non-member alike, and every pastor should hand out to his congregation! Read ‘em & Reap!
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