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

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

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.