Church Membership?

Is church membership as valued now as it probably was in the past? With the many churches from which to choose, if one is discontent he or she is free to leave and check out other options. Contrast that with the earliest days of Christianity, where there was one church in a location (with several congregations in a larger city).

What is the point of church membership anyways? There are only a few benefits to being a member. One is, you get to vote! When decisions have to be made (choosing leadership, deciding on plans), only those committed to a group have a say. Another is, you may get to serve in some "official" capacity (teach, lead, nursery worker). Another is, ... well, I can't think of any others.

So again, what is the point of church membership? Non-members who attend are welcomed to participate in most of the life of the church (have communion, sing in the choir, give, bring meals). There is no exclusion, with the exceptions in the above paragraph.

Yet there is New Testament example for such membership. First, every Christian is a member of the "universal church" whether they're a member of a local church or not. Second, someone had to count how many were baptized on Pentecost and who participated in the gatherings in temple and home. Third, hostile unbelievers knew who was part of the church and who was not (these latter were left alone). Four, believers were under the care of shepherds who were responsible for their souls.

Culturally, church membership is not important. Biblically, however, it is very significant. Being a declared part of a local church marked you as one of Christ's people to those around you. No longer did you "go to church"--you gathered with the church.