Membership
Why do the Braves all wear the same uniform? To identify that they are all on the same team. Why do married people wear wedding rings? To symbolize their commitment to a partner. Why do 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 vision, mission and beliefs of Southland Church. There are many reasons for having formal membership, but here are just a few.
1) Formal membership is valuable to the leaders of the church as they guide the church body. We have been put here to reach the uncommitted, the unbelievers, the unchurched. But as some point it is important to identify those who truly comprise the "family" at Southland, 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.
2) 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 ready to be 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.
3) Even though you will not find the term "church member" in scripture, it is implicit all throughout the New Testament. Believers clearly identified themselves with a specific local body and were challenged to become devoted participants.
4) Experience shows that membership benefits the individual. Membership is an important step that moves each of us off the sidelines and into the game. My life changed for the better when I made a decision to become a member and plug into Southland. My relationship with Christ grew tremendously, which in turn led to an abundant life.
The first step to join Southland Church is to downlad a Membership Workbook or obtain one at the information booth. Listen to the message and then follow the instructions in the workbook. If you have any questions or concerns about membership or baptism, please contact the church office at churchoffice@southlandchurch.net or (229) 245-8188.
