On October 3rd, we will receive new members into
the ranks of St. Mark. This is a joyous occasion as we
formally recognize co-laborers for the cause of Christ
and formally join with them and welcome them to
our midst.
What does membership mean at St. Mark? Among other things, it means the members joining have formally asked the elders to be recognized as under their care. It is the formalization of a relationship with the local manifestation of the body of Christ. While you won’t find the words “church membership” in the Bible (though 1 Corinthians does say we are members of the body of Christ), nevertheless you’ll certainly find the principle there. In 1 Peter 5, we are told that elders are to “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.” When one formally joins in membership at St. Mark, it is a formalization of being “among” the oversight of the elders. And in Hebrews 13 we read about being submissive to the elders who watch out for our souls.
As we all go about the work God has called us to, the local manifestation of the Christ’s body is of great benefit to us and we rejoice to receive these members.