In the previous lesson, we learned that the church is an ORGANISM rather than an ORGANIZATION, and the implication of that revelation is that church membership is something that’s PRACTICED and not merely PLACED. Does that mean that the concept of placing membership doesn’t matter? In this lesson, we explore what it means to be “added to the church” and whether or not placing membership at a local congregation is biblically based.

Acts 2:37-41 (ESV)

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Lesson Resources:

Rick Atchley. “Get on Board With Membership.” Sermon presented at The Hills Church, North Richland Hills, TX, 2006.

https://www.barna.com/research/meet-love-jesus-not-church/. Last accessed October 15, 2023.

https://www.barna.com/research/openness-to-jesus/. Last accessed October 15, 2023.

https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/church/a-majority-of-americans-are-open-to-jesus-just-not-the-church/. Last accessed October 15, 2023.