Here’s my encouraging word for today – membership.  But perhaps you’re thinking, "Membership isn’t an encouraging word.  In fact, it’s kind of a sterile word."  The dictionary defines membership as the state or condition of belonging to a group such as a species, social class, team, club, church or political party. 

But especially with regard to church, let me suggest one of the truly encouraging things about membership.  Membership is about belonging.  Note these words from the Apostle Paul.  “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5). 

The church is God’s family.  When you become a church member, you make a commitment to the church family and you choose to become a vital part.  You decide to truly belong.  There’s much more to being in a family than just showing up for meals.   There’s so much more to being an active church member than attending a weekly service. 

Are you a member of First Baptist Church?  If so, what kind of member are you?  This Sunday, Fred Opie will be talking about membership.  Think and pray about this and come ready to hear what God has to say to you, through His word.

Pastor Torrey