No. 480 “어떻게 교회의 회원이 되는가?” 2026 04 26

No. 480 – How Does Someone Become a Church Member? "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 2:41) The early church followed a simple and clear pattern: people heard the gospel, believed in Christ, were baptized, and were added to the fellowship of believers. This simple pattern remains one of the most important biblical foundations for understanding church membership. Our church seeks to follow this same biblical model. Anyone may become a regular attendee. You do not need to be a Christian to visit our church. You may still be exploring the faith, asking questions, or even practicing another religion. There are no barriers to attending worship services and experiencing life within our church family. Our doors are open to everyone. Membership, however, is different. There are three essential elements. First, there must be a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. This journey begins by receiving Christ. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” To believe in Jesus means more than simply knowing facts about Him. It means receiving Him as Savior and Lord. In Matthew 16:16, Peter declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This confession was not merely intellectual agreement. It was a life-changing commitment. It meant surrendering one's own way in order to follow the will of Christ. Receiving Christ often begins with a sincere prayer of faith. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in." To help people understand and respond to the gospel clearly, our church offers a monthly Receiving Christ Class. This is not a time of pressure or persuasion. It is simply an opportunity to hear the gospel, ask questions, and personally respond to God's invitation. Second, there is the public profession of faith through baptism. Mark 16:16 says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved." Baptism does not save us. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. However, baptism is the visible expression of an invisible faith. It is an act of obedience that publicly identifies a believer with Jesus Christ. In many ways, baptism is like a wedding ring. The ring does not create the marriage, but it publicly demonstrates a covenant that already exists. Throughout the New Testament, baptism was closely connected to entering the fellowship of the church. Third, there is a voluntary commitment to the church community. Colossians 1:18 reminds us, "And He is the head of the body, the church." Becoming a member means more than placing one's name on a membership roll. It means embracing the responsibility and privilege of being an active part of Christ's body. Membership is a commitment to worship, serve, grow, give, and participate in the life and mission of the church. These three elements—faith, baptism, and commitment—are not barriers designed to keep people out. Rather, they help preserve the clarity of the gospel and the integrity of the church. A biblical church is open to everyone, but it must also be clear about the gospel. Those who respond to Christ in faith become part of His church. If you would like to pursue church membership, we invite you to come forward during our Time of Commitment and indicate your desire on a commitment card. We would be honored to walk alongside you as you take your next step of faith.