The last few months I have been serving as the interim pastor of one of our fine Kentucky Baptist Convention churches. I celebrate that the church recently called a sharp, young pastor who will lead them well in the coming years.
My last four Sunday messages I am choosing to preach through the passages and main points that Dr. Thom S. Rainer makes in his helpful new book, I Am A Church Member. In his book, Rainer revisits the Biblical responsibilities of those who are privileged to be members of a local church. He encourages each church member to make the following five pledges:
- I will be a functioning church member.
- I will be a unifying church member.
- I will not let my church be about my preferences and desires.
- I will pray for my church leaders.
- I will lead my family to be healthy church members.
- I will treasure church membership as a gift.
Here’s a little sample from page 6 of Rainer’s book:
“God did not give us local churches to become country clubs where membership means we have privileges and perks. He places us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give, and, in some cases, to die for the sake of the Gospel….Many churches are weak because we have members who have turned the meaning of membership upside down. It’s time to get it right. It’s time to become a church member as God intended. It’s time to give instead of being entitled.”
Pick up a copy of this book today! As a matter of fact, pick up several copies. They can be purchased from your Lifeway Store for $5 each when purchased in multiples of 20. May the Lord use this timely book to renew our understanding of and commitment to God’s local church!
Steve Rice 