Life in the Vineyard: Five Marks of Healthy Church Membership

Excessive Individualism

In her article on the blog, Psychology Today, Dr. Jean Kim candidly reveals man’s drive for excessive individualism in her critique of current American culture. She says,

“America was founded in part on the cult of the individual, the self-made myth, the will to power. And indeed we cannot ignore the core egotism of human nature, the need to channel that drive to succeed and establish one’s sense of self and identity, against all odds.” Jean Kim

Kim further laments current trends in American culture that come from a form of excessive self-centered autonomy. She notes how Americans seem to lack empathy toward one another, struggle to show kindness, and lack compassion, which is the outward fruit of an inward self-centered reality. Kim contrasts the current culture with that of Americans during World War II. She says,

“On this Memorial Day, we remember how numerous Americans easily made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of their fellow citizens, to uphold a land of peacetime and liberty for others. Yet, it feels as though lately the simple act of kindness, of caring for one’s fellow man for the good of the many has become anathema to our American values of late.” Jean Kim

Expressive Individualism

Another trend in western culture concerning self-centered autonomy is the creation of extreme autonomous worldviews such as expressive individualism. Theologian Carl Trueman clarifies expressive individualism when he says,

“Expressive Individualism holds that human beings are defined by their individual psychological core, and that the purpose of life is allowing that core to find social expression in relationships. Anything that challenges it is deemed oppressive.”Carl Trueman

Expressive Individualism is convinced that one’s core identity is simply what they make of it. By contrast the Bible teachers you are made in the image of God. Expressive individualism says I make my image what I want it to be. What you are is fluid and can change. Expressive Individualism is the worldview framework supporting much of the social movements we are seeing today, particularly in the LGBTQ movement.

The Unhealthy Marriage of the Church & Individualism

Somewhere down the road of our growth as a “Christian Nation,” America’s “self-made do it alone attitude” that formed the backbone of our democracy, our “one nation under God,” left it’s Christian formation and morphed into something of the future in George Orwell’s novel “The Time Machine.” And of course found in that process, the church unequally yoked itself to the ideology of individualism. The Western Church stopped caring as much about the needs and mission of God’s community and our commitment and contribution to the community as a whole. Instead, we have become more concerned about celebrating ourselves, focusing most of our attention personal immediate needs with a loyalty to myself first and foremost.

Do you not see this attitude when people at church talk more about what they need to get from the church-the right music, the right preaching, the right feelings- than what they bring to the church community? Do you not see this attitude when people hang out on the fringe of the church, never fully investing into the community with their time, talents, and tithes? Do you not see this individualistic attitude that arises when there is conflict or disagreement in the church? Someone does not get their way. So, instead of seeing it as an opportunity to grow, this person person picks up their ball and leaves.

In the early 1800’s there was a frenchman name Alexis de Tocqueville. He is best known for his book, “Democracy in America.” This book was the fruit of him spending ten months in America researching our prison system. He said that individualism was one of America’s five values that contributed to the success of our republic. He described the American people as,

“Such folk owe no man anything and hardly expect anything from anybody. They form the habit of thinking of themselves in isolation and imagine that their whole destiny is in their own hands.” Alexis de Tocqueville

Tocqueville’s description of the American people, unfortunately, describes too much of the attitude in church in the church today. Too much of the church believes you can be part of the church without being part of the community. As if you can live in isolation believing your destiny is in your hands, not God’s hands. Or you can live your Christian faith owing nothing to anyone and expecting nothing from anybody.

If you think I am over exaggerating my point, look at the evidence seen in the attitude observed by a Life Way research survey of the Western church that revealed that

“65% of churchgoers said they can walk with God without other churchgoers.” (Scott McConnell. Why Discipleship Can’t Happen in Your Church Without Relationships. LifeWay Research. April 19, 2021)

Interestingly enough, some of you may feel some tension in your heart right now about the problem of individualism I am spelling out. You feel a tension, on the one hand, because as an American, it feels very natural to celebrate the self-made grit of American individualism-its the culture you grew up. It is something we pride ourselves in as a nation. On the other-hand, you must know that God calls you to fix your loyalty to His kingdom and his community. Your citizenship is in heaven. He expects you to forsake your individualism and commit to this community. For some of you, it might feel countercultural for you to see church membership the way the Bible describes it.

Brothers and sisters, if we are going to joyfully advance the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus until the church, community, and home joyfully abide in Jesus, then we must be countercultural in our commitment to the church.

A robust church membership that is clear about expectations and commitments to God’s community, doing life in the Vineyard, must be in the DNA of our fellowship at FBCL.

To see this more clearly, we need to look once again at the early church, in Acts 2:41-47.

Michael already read the text, so we will jump right into verse 41. You will notice how Luke distinguishes who the first members of the early church were. In verse 41,

Acts 2:41 ESV

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Those who received the word are those who believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ. They made a profession of faith. Then those who made a profession of faith were immediately baptized by full immersion. Membership into the early church was marked by faith in Christ and baptism. These two components are entry points to church fellowship. You must be a born again believer who has been baptized by full immersion.

To enter the church my must come by faith in Christ and testify a commitment to Christ by baptism.

With a profession of faith and the witness of baptism, you will also noticed that there were five practices of the early church. These practices were commitments the church made to each other (the leadership & the congregation) that distinguished this group of people from the Jews and the rest of pagan culture.

The early church was committed to teaching God’s word.

The Apostles were committed to preaching the gospel. Preaching is, according to Jeremy Kimble,

“the public unfolding and proclamation of the truth of God’s word; it is interpreting, explaining, applying, and exulting over that word in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Jeremy Kimble

Kimble wonderfully summarizes the point and purpose of preaching. Preaching unfolds, that is reveals, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s plan of redemption by lifting the veil of ignorance and unbelief through proclaiming God’s word, His truth, about Himself and his image bearers. Preaching takes time to study the bible in order to rightly interpret the truth and explain the bible in a way that encourages immediate application and exultation, all the while depending on the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who hear the good news. The church was committed to gather to hear right preaching.

The early church was committed to fellowship.

We are familiar with the world koinonia. It is the used for the word “fellowship.” In this context, it denotes the idea of a close mutual relationship; the sharing of material blessings. The early church was committed to gathering together to make sure everyone’s needs were properly met. Luke describes the fellowship of the church a few chapters later,

Acts 4:32 (ESV)

...and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

The early churches fellowship meant that the congregation and leadership were intimately involved in each other’s lives. They knew each other’s needs and burdens. The partnered together to ensure everybody was cared for. It would be absurd for someone to be unknown or unfamiliar in their fellowship.

The early church was committed to breaking bread.

Breaking Bread in this context likely refers to the Lord’s Supper. It’s possible that it refers to the Love Meal that was eaten before the Lord’s supper. It could encompass both. The point is the church was committed to eating together, either formally informally. Eating as a church family was part of community life for them. Once, again, intimately involved in each other’s lives is key here.

The early church was committed to prayers.

The early church was a community praying church. As one unified body, they expressed dependence of God for the accomplishment of his work, hope during times of hardship, and provision for daily needs. They prayed for each other’s problems, in each other’s homes, and corporately in the gathering.

The early church was committed to evangelism.

In verse 47, the Lord was adding to the church every day. The Lord added to the church by using the church to evangelize the lost. The church proclaims the truth, and God draws the sinner to salvation; hence the church grows.

No place for Excessive/Expressive Individualism in the Church

You will notice there is no individualism in any part of the early church. There was no such idea or concept entertained among the apostles or the church body. Everyone who belonged to the church was committed to the mission of the church, the provision for the church, and the proclamation of the gospel from the church. Luke says as much

Acts 4:32–35 (ESV)

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold

and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

This is what life in the Vineyard looks like when everyone is truly connected to the Vine, when the church is filled with people who have the spiritual life of Jesus pulsating through their veins. There is unity in the church. There is sufficiency in the church. There is great grace in the church. There is submission to the leadership and to each other in the church. This kind of healthy flourishing only happens when there is a covenantal commitment to the kingdom and to each other.

How do we as a church both combat the individualism of our day and ensure those who enter our fellowship are believers who are committed to Life in the Vineyard? How do we help those who want to join our fellowship understand the commitment that is expected to maintain life in the Vineyard? How do we protect our fellowship at FBCL?

The answer is a healthy robust biblical covenantal requirement of church membership.

Last week I made the case for biblical membership by offering five realities of church membership as described in the New Testament. For the remainder of our time, I want to show you five marks of healthy church membership.

Healthy Church Membership Communicates Clear Expectations

Acts 2:41 ESV

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

In verse 41, those who received his word were those who heard the gospel and responded to the call to repent and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. They confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-10). We know, however, that a confession of faith is not always genuine conversion. For example, the parable of the soils reveals that two kinds of hearts will respond immediately to the gospel, but will eventually fall away. So, how do we best try to ensure those whom we allow into membership are truly converted?

Wisdom throughout church history says to offer a mandatory church membership class that communicates clear expectations for the gospel and life in the vineyard. A mandatory membership class could ask and answer such questions as:

What is our statement of faith?

The answer to this questions teaches the prospective member about what we believe about the Bible, God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the church, the family, ect. During this discussion the full gospel will be clearly presented with a chance to clarify any misunderstandings.

What is our church covenant?

This question explains how we will commit to live as a community of believers.

Why join a church?

With this question we explain why church membership is biblical, important, and what the expectations are for members.

What is the history of FBCL?

Prospective members need to know the history of God’s gracious work in our church. They need to see how we are connected to the Universal church over time.

How do we think about missions and outreach?

This question helps us explain our Southern Baptist roots and convictions. As Southern Baptist, we have a long history of being Great Commission minded; committed to evangelism.

How will we do life together?

There must be clear expectations about what it means to live in community. Keep in mind the early church. We must be committed to koinonia- fellowship, partnership, intimately involved in each others lives, serving one another, and doing the ministry. We also must be committed to discipleship, everyone setting an example by participating in Sunday School, DNA Groups, and trainings for evangelism and outreach.

Healthy Church Membership is Conducted By Leadership and Affirmed by the Church.

Another wise step in helping the church be filled with converted believers is to allow the leadership to conduct an interview with the prospective members. This would allow the prospective member give their testimony and show how God’s grace is at work in their life. It would also allow the leadership to clarify the mission and vision of the church, and offer discernment to church when t comes time to vote the new members into the fellowship.

Church affirmation is key to maintaining the purity of the church. Once the prospective church member understands who we are and what we are about, accepts our statement of faith and covenant, and has been interviewed by the leadership, then it is the churches responsibility to vote the person into the fellowship.

The church will have the opportunity to opening discuss any issues or concerns. The church will also have the opportunity o hear the discernment of the leadership. With this in hand, the church will be equipped to make the best decision possible for the health of the church body.

Healthy Church Membership is Covenantal in Practice.

Let’s get a few things straight about church covenants. There is no book of covenants. There is no command in the Bible to have a church covenant. But that does not mean that covenants are useful, wise, and still relevant today.

There are no wedding vows in the Bible, nor is there a wedding ceremony. No one, however, would deny the importance of expressing a covenant commitment through wedding vows at a wedding ceremony. We use covenant all the time.

Having a church covenant is a biblically relevant for two reasons.

God is a covenant making and keeping God.

Psalm 111:9 ESV

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!

God made a covenant with his people, even putting himself under obligation and promises.

God says to Noah

Genesis 9:11 ESV

I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

God covenants with Abrham

Genesis 17:2 ESV

that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.”

Genesis 17:4 ESV

“Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.

God says to David

Psalm 89:3–4 ESV

You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’ ” Selah

God covenants with his people and obligates himself to us to keep his promises, making covenant a normal part of our life.

We are participants in the New Covenant through faith and obedience.

Hebrews 8:6 ESV

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

then in

Hebrews 8:10–12 ESV

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

God fulfilled his plan for a new covenant in Christ. Christ sealed the new covenant with his blood. God changes the hearts of his people to live out this new covenant in faith and obedience. We participate in the new covenant with changed hearts that live by faith and walk in obedience to Christ. Faith and obedience are key commitments to covenant, specially our covenant.

We have a covenant that was adopted in 1922. You will see Acts 2:41-47, in our commitments to each other.

First Baptist Church of Litchfield Church Covenant Adopted August 16, 1922

Having been led, as we believe, by the Holy Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to regularly educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment, to avoid tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of destructive drugs or intoxicating drinks as beverage; to shun pornography; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feelings and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the Spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

Our covenant answers the question, How do we commit to living together? Our covenant expresses our desire to live rightly before God and each other, and to be held accountable to one another. Everyone who makes the commitment to join our fellowship needs to be required to sign a church covenant.

Mark Dever, who has written and studied extensively on healthy churches, wisely says,

“Requiring people to sign a church covenant lets them know that they will be expected not only to believe the statement of faith but to live it out. It also lets them know how they will be expected to live it out—namely, in clear ways that build up the corporate body and enhance the corporate testimony of the church in the community. Implementing a church covenant helps to correct the misperception that members can live in either isolated individualism or unrepented sin and still be members in good standing. It provides a biblical standard of behavior for members, notifying them of what it means to be a member of the local church and reminding them of the obligations that membership entails for our lifestyles and interactions with each other. Church covenants make membership meaningful because they clarify the spiritual and relational commitments that membership signifies.” Mark Dever

Last week I mentioned that one of the issues our church has had is keeping members consistently committed to the mission and vision of the church. The front door is wide open. We get them into our fellowship easy enough. But they don’t want to commit to the body, and eventually they slip away out the back door never to be seen again. Brothers and sisters, utilizing a strong church covenant is how we close the back door. Membership to our fellowship must be meaningful. Meaningful demands commitment. Signing your name on our covenant is an expression of hour commitment to joyfully advancing the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus at FBCL.

Healthy Church Membership is Current in its Membership Roles.

Several years ago our church suffered an egregious sin because we did not clearly define what an active member is at FBCL and not having current membership roles. Another reason for utilizing our covenant for a robust membership commitment is that it helps our church know who is a member in good standing. It protects us from unbelievers having an ability to come into our fellowship and make evil decisions that derail the mission our mission and ruin the witness of our church.

Clean membership roles will have current members who are committed to the mission and vision of FBCL. Furthermore, they prove their commitment by abiding by the covenant and participating in church ministry.

FBCl must remove all people from the membership roles who have either passed away or moved on from our fellowship. A letter should be sent to these folks letting them know our intentions. If they want to continue in our fellowship, then they will return with a commitment to our membership requirements. If they choose not to return then we hope that they find fellowship elsewhere soon. Otherwise they reveal that they were never really part of the church.

What about shut-ins?

I’ve always taught that shut-ins or homebound members or members who are restricted to a nursing home would never be seen as members who are not in good standing. Because of their health and age, they are prohibited from actively participating in our fellowship. That is not to say they are not praying for us or tithing or doing ministry where they are. There is grace and discernment for these folks, and an obligation for the church, not just the leadership, to go them and be the church.

Healthy Church Membership is Corrective of its Non Fruit-Bearing Members.

Robust healthy church membership will require the church to exercise church discipline when necessary. Jesus outlines how the church is to go about church discipline in Matthew 18. Paul gives and example of church discipline in 1 Corinthians 5, the man who committed gross sexual immorality. He also shows how the church receives a brother who has repented and been forgiven back into the fellowship in 2 Corinthians 2:5-8. In the book of Acts, the early church is confronted with two people who lied to the Holy Spirit, Ananias and Sapphira. To protect the purity of the church and its legitimacy, God disciplined both of them with death.

Church discipline is a normal part of church life, and is a God given mechanism to protect the church from impurity.

Church discipline requires wisdom, discernment, and patience. Furthermore, it requires strong leadership and commitment from the church as well, which, again, makes the covenant all the more important.

Church discipline is meant to be corrective, a form of grace. It is a process of repentance and growth in Christ. It is no one’s goal to remove anyone from the fellowship. The goal is greater awareness of sin in order to draw near to a greater experience of grace.

There is no place for Individualism in the community of FBCL

We are called to live life in the Vineyard, the vineyard God planted in Litchfield, IL. We are connected to the True Vine and we must bear fruit. To ensure our fellowship of believers are truly connected to the vine, we must require a robust biblical convenantal church membership. That it, our membership must be committed to communicating clear expectations, commited to allowing the leadership to discern new members and the church to affirm new members, must be committed to keeping covenant with each other, committed to keep clean roles with active members who participate in t4he life of the church, and committed to protect the body from impurity and sinful foolish decision making with church discipline.