A Faithful Church Member

by Joel R. Beeke

A short, but helpful study of both the responsibilities and privileges of church membership. This is especially necessary today with the prevailing casualness that exists in relation to the membership of a local church. A clear reminder for those already part of a church and a challenge for any prospective members regarding commitment to the head of the church, the Lord Jesus Christ. For an annual fee, you can be a member of your community recreational center, where you have access to its exercise equipment and swimming pool. If you choose never to visit the building, it's no problem. You can sit at home and eat ice cream all day and never get your membership revoked. So long as you pay your dues, you are a member. It is not surprising that membership in a local church has also become non-demanding. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:10-16 that membership in the church is all about Christ. Attention is focused on five areas of Christ's Word, His person, His people, His cause, and His image. Examination is made as to what it means to be a faithful member of the body of Christ in each of these areas in the (1) personal, (2) public, and (3) practical dimensions of our lives. Thus, fifteen characteristics of a faithful church member are made. Each section is followed by a series of Bible Study questions to enable the reader to take part actively in the text.

Genres: Church, Christian Living, Ecclesiology

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2011

About the author

Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor since 1978 and currently ministers at the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the editor of the Puritan Reformed Journal and The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, the board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and the vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.

Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read, less than an hour, and very practical self-assessment.

[Jonah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very brief, yet convicting book. I am sure to employ this slim volume for new members.

[Thomas Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book. Very quick read. If you're a Christian, do you regularly attend a church? Are you a member of a local church? Do you serve that church? Must read to help determine if you are being faithful to your Savior Jesus Christ in all He desires and commands of us. May God Bless you and convict us all of where we fall short of His Holiness.