7 Basics of Belonging: The Meaning of Church Membership

by Sam Rainer

What is the big deal about membership? Personally committing to church membership will help you grow spiritually. God did not design us to grow in isolation. Being on a spiritual island is lonely. The church is a community of imperfect people serving a perfect Savior together. We commit together to follow Him. The real reason you join a church is simple. Jesus is there. When church members fulfill their 7 basic responsibilities the presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit becomes self-evident. Every Christ follower is meant to be connected to the church. You are not here by accident. God has a plan for you, and that plan includes being a faithful and active part of a local church. Church membership includes seven basics of belonging. 1. Saying “yes” to God
2. Making disciples who make disciples
3. Reaching outward beyond yourself
4. Honoring God with your offering
5. Prioritizing God’s will through prayer
6. Seek Keeping the main thing the main thing
7. Putting others before yourself Embrace the seven basics of belonging and serve God more through the church. You need your church, and your church needs you. The church is not a destination point for crowds. The church is a vehicle designed by God to reach the neighborhoods and the nations. Welcome to your church. God is here. You belong here.

104 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2021

About the author

Sam Rainer serves as president of Church Answers. He is the co-founder of Rainer Publishing, and he also serves as lead pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church in Southwest Florida. Sam has written hundreds of articles for several publications. He is a frequent conference speaker on church health issues. Sam holds a BS in Finance and Marketing from the University of South Carolina, an MA in Missiology from Southern Seminary, and a PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University.

Reviews

[Roger Bryan Van Pelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has good content overall. However, it seems directed at a much younger audience than I have in my present church situation. I need something more directed to adults. This book in my opinion is better suited for high schoolers or maybe college age students.

Sam's dad Thom wrote a book called "I am a Church Member" that better suits my needs.

There is a study guide at the back of the book for a video and content that's not provided. That is strange to me. It seems like he was just trying to make the book a little longer and pitch another resource to make him more money.

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and Basic

After being committed and involved for so long in the church, being led by good mentors, it’s easy to take for granted that EVERYONE knows these principles.

However, not EVERYONE knows, and even more so in this generation of the “nones”. People are largely unchurched, and when they do get connected, they need to be led through the basics. This book accomplishes what it sets out to do: it’s the “basics”.

[David A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A membership must read.

7 Basics of Belonging is a short book that gives the meat of church membership in an understandable way. I encourage churches to include a copy of this book to all its membership.

[Tcblack · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adequate book on church membership. While it was not empty of Scripture references, I believe a more intentionally "Bible Linked" book would be even more helpful.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic book about what it means to belong to a church.

[Anna Falardeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a communication staff, so good to focus on the need and importance of membership.