A Noble Note – Zion Newsletter June 2025 

What does it mean to belong to church? What does it mean to be a member of a specific congregation? What are the expectations of being a church member? What is my individual role within my own church? Does it really matter what church I belong to?

For some, membership is nothing more than an archaic practice to force people into thinking a certain way. For some, it means being connected to a group which serves you and meets your needs; and if those needs or expectations aren’t met, then it’s off to another group. For others, membership means accountability in helping you to reach a certain goal. For others, it means knowing who you can trust and rely on; it defines who your extended family is.  

I have recently been having conversations about membership, and so I thought I’d use this article as an opportunity to extend that conversation to the rest of the Zion family. When I discuss church membership, I like to share 4 reasons why it’s important and 4 commitments we hold as members of a congregation. Even though I share these in its very basic forms, I want to encourage us to deepen this conversation at another time. 

Four Reasons to commit to church membership: 

  1. A Biblical reason: Jesus was committed to the Church, leading us to do the same. 
  2. A Cultural reason: It’s an antidote to our self-serving society and helps build character and an identity of ownership. 
  3. A Practical reason: It brings about unity and tells us who we can count on and trust. 
  4. A Personal reason: It keeps us accountable for our own spiritual growth and enables us to serve one another in unique ways. 

Four commitments we hold as church members:

  1. We will protect the unity of the church by acting in love towards one another by using our words and deeps to build each other up. 
  2. We will share in the responsibilities of the church by actively participating in its worship and studies and fellowship. We will pray for its growth and well being and represent the faith with Godly living. 
  3. We will serve the ministry of the church by utilizing our God-given talents and abilities to actively participate within the various ministries of the church. 
  4. We will support the ministry of the church through the giving of finances and time so that the Gospel may continue to go out into our communities and into the rest of the world. 

I am glad that you are a part of this church family! May God continue to bless you as you receive love and care through this congregation, and may God continue to bless this congregation through you. I am honored to be serving this church family with you. 

So never forget: You belong here and are never alone. You matter to the rest of us and you play an important role in this family. You are an instrument of God, already fully equipped with what you need to be God’s hands and feet in this place

Here are a few Scripture references to read and reflect upon:

Acts 2:42-47

Romans 12:1-21

Romans 15:5-7

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Ephesians 2:11-22

Ephesians 4:1-16

Colossians 3:1-17

Hebrews 10:19-25

1 Peter 2:4-10

In His Service, 

Pastor Andy Noble