Becoming Members

Salem is receiving new members on Sunday, May 13. Sixteen people have been fulfilling the requirements and responsibilities of membership and are ready to step up and help take responsibility for Salem. 
When we receive the new members during worship, there’s a moment when the people in the congregation renew their membership vows, as well. Because of that, I want remind you of those membership responsibilities. Members are people who have professed faith in Jesus, been baptized, completed the membership orientation, and regularly practice spiritual disciplines to worship, grow, serve, give, and share. What does that that look like?
Members worship each Sunday (9 or 11 AM) unless they are sick or out of town. Worshiping weekly gives them an opportunity to gather with others to love God, offering praise, honor, and glory; to hear what the Lord God says to the by reading scripture; and to speak their prayers to the Lord. It’s an incredibly powerful moment to re-center their lives in communion with the One who created everything, including us, and loves us and wants to be in relationship with us.
Members grow in their faith outside of worship through some kind of small group. Participating in a Sunday school class or small group of some type will contribute to their faith journey by helping them grow as followers of Jesus and by helping them make friends. Knowing even a few other people more deeply makes a church feel like home as we live life together. 
Members serve by using their gifts and talents both inside and outside the walls of the church. Each of us is given spiritual gifts and natural abilities that we can use to serve others and glorify God. The church is the Body of Christ, and each of us is a member of the Body. We are all invited to participate in God’s mission to renew creation. God invites us to touch the lives of others and help transform the world. 
Members give financially in proportion to their income, with the tithe (10%) as their goal. Giving regularly not only supports the ministry and mission of the church, but also is their way of giving God priority in their life. One way to determine what people really care about is to review where they spend their money. Sometimes life circumstances mean we cannot give regularly, but when we are able to do so, it deepens our faith as we love God and serve the church and the world through our giving.
Members share their faith with others through words and actions. We are called to be witnesses and share our good news with others. Often we think this means awkward conversations, but it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) have to be like that. It does mean being ready to answer questions like, Why do you go to church? Do you believe in God? Sometimes the best witness is when others see how you live your life in God. (These are listed on our website too.)
If you’re a member of Salem, take some time to consider how you are fulfilling these membership responsibilities. If you’ve been struggling with these, let me know. I’d love to talk with you and pray for you. Be sure to gather with us to support and welcome our new members on May 13, and be ready to renew your own membership vows.
Of course, the congregation that day also will include persons who are not members. That’s good! Membership isn’t required at Salem. We love to receive new members who step up and help take responsibility for Salem. But our purpose is to make disciples of Jesus. So whether we become members of a local church or not, all of us are called to follow Jesus, to become more like Jesus. Interestingly, the way we do that is with these same practices: worship, grow, serve, give, and share. Don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to help you become more like Jesus.

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