To the ‘unaffiliated Christian’

Having been in the ministry for some 25 plus years, it would be impossible (I suppose), for me to not think like a pastor. I concede that is probably true. However, I am not saying the things I am about to say, simply because I am a preacher and want people in the pews. Whether I serve in ministry or not, or whether people fill the pews or not, the following teachings are true because God’s Word demands them, and not because pastors/preachers may want (or expect) them. 

I write today to the “unaffiliated Christian.” I am addressing those who say they are saved, but are not an active member of any local church. I want to speak to those who claim to know Christ, and to love Christ, and yet for whatever reason, will not unite themselves with a local body of Christ. This article is aimed at those who say they are in a covenant relationship with Jesus, but refuse to make a covenant commitment to the church Jesus built. They are non-church-members … unattached and unaffiliated with any congregation of believers. If that describes you, then I am writing specifically to you. 

My aim in this article is to cause every redeemed reader to see and consider, there are Biblical requirements that cannot be rightly fulfilled apart from committed membership of a local church. You may buck against that claim … you may not like it in the least … but it is true nonetheless. I understand there are some valid reasons why a Christian may not be a member of a local church for some measure of time, but that should not be the norm. Maybe someone is new to an area, and is looking for a solid Bible-preaching church? Maybe someone has been hurt by a church, and they are healing? Or maybe some out-of-order congregation left a bad taste in your mouth about church membership and your slow about starting over. Sadly, these things happen. And while we may find this hesitation understandable, it doesn’t negate our responsibilities to God and our fellow believers. 

In an effort to show you the vital importance of church membership, I am going to list five New Testament commands that cannot be rightly obeyed apart from the local church. Admittedly, the unaffiliated Christian will likely take issue with the divine directives I am about to enumerate. But I will ask you to prove me wrong, from the Bible, then I will recant. Otherwise, you need to consider making some changes to your walk with Christ.

First, Hebrews 10:23-25 states that Christians are to consider how we can encourage our fellow believers to keep on fighting the good fight of faith, in spite of opposition and discouragement. According to the inspired text, one primary way we do this is by “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Simply stated, you cannot edify your brothers and sisters in Christ sitting at home on Sundays. You have a God-given responsibility to Christ and to His people, to gather together and exhort them to cling to the faith, and “so much the more” as we see the last days drawing near. 

Secondly, there are dozens of “one another” commands in the New Testament. Each of these are means by which we help fellow saints navigate the difficulties and trials of this life. Regardless of what you might want to believe, none of these commands can be done in isolation. Let me ask, how can you: “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), “prefer one another” (Romans 12:10), “comfort one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:18), “confess your faults and pray for one another” (James 5:16), “forgive one another” (Ephesians 4:32), etc. and so on?! Yes, these things can be done (and should be) with those who are not fellow church members. But that should be done in addition to, and not in place of your fellow congregants. You cannot properly obey the “one anothers” without one another. And that means investing in people week after week, even when it gets hard. 

Third, there are several passages in the Bible about submitting to and supporting church leaders. If you are not a member of a local church, you cannot, I repeat cannot … obey these commands. Hebrews 13:7 states, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Unaffiliated friend, you can make all the excuses you want, but you cannot obey these clear commands if you are not a member of a church sitting under the authority of qualified elders. Who are you leaders? Who are your elders? To whom are you submitting? 

Fourth, as unpopular as this might be, the ordinances of baptism and communion are church ordinances. You may have been taught or told otherwise, but Christ gave these symbolic Gospel-pictures to the local church to practice and observe. You ought not just go around baptizing people any more than you should sit at home and observe communion. If you are not an active member of a local church, you are robbing yourself of the privilege (and duty) of truly fulfilling the Great Commission which includes observing the ordinances. 

Fifth and finally, the unaffiliated Chrisitan cannot properly utilize their spiritual gifting. According to Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4, the Holy Spirit uniquely blesses the individual members of a church with spiritual gifts that cause the body to function at it’s best. It is the role of the church to help each believer identify and utilize their spiritual gifting. Again, say what you will … but, this cannot be done apart from local church membership. 

I could go on, and there is plenty more Scripture to cite, but if you will not concede these five commands require local church membership, I guess there is nothing God can say to convince you otherwise. According to the Bible, you need a local church to further your walk with Christ. Sitting at home watching YouTube videos, or listening to podcasts cannot do for you what church membership can do. You need accountability and so do I. 

I know some unaffiliated Christians who I truly believe are born-again believers, and while I love them dearly, that love compels me to speak truth to them. Think what you will, but there is no such thing as New Testament Christianity apart from active and faithful membership in a local church. You need a church. And friend, that church needs you.