Outlines on Church Membership Lessons, with Scriptures Outline

I. Introduction to Church Membership
A. Definition of church membership
B. Importance of church membership
C. Benefits of church membership

II. Biblical Basis for Church Membership
A. Matthew 16:18 - Jesus establishes the church
B. Acts 2:41-47 - Early believers devoted themselves to the church
C. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - Believers are part of the body of Christ

III. Requirements for Church Membership
A. Profession of faith in Jesus Christ
B. Baptism
C. Agreement with the church's statement of faith
D. Commitment to the church's mission and vision

IV. Responsibilities of Church Members
A. Regular attendance at worship services
B. Participation in church activities and ministries
C. Financial support of the church
D. Praying for the church and its leaders

V. Benefits of Church Membership
A. Spiritual growth and accountability
B. Fellowship with other believers
C. Opportunities for service and ministry
D. Support and care in times of need

VI. Conclusion
A. Encouragement to consider becoming a member of a local church
B. Importance of being actively involved in the life of the church
C. Prayer for God's guidance in choosing a church to join.

Lesson 1: The Biblical Basis of Church Membership

Scriptures:

- Acts 2:41-47
- Romans 6:3-5
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Outline:

- Definition of church membership: A covenant relationship between believers and a local congregation
- Biblical basis:
- Baptism and belief as requirements (Acts 2:41)
- Spiritual union with Christ (Romans 6:3-5)
- Integration into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
- Benefits of membership:
- Accountability
- Encouragement
- Spiritual growth
- Opportunities for service

Lesson 2: Responsibilities of Church Members

Scriptures:

- Ephesians 4:1-16
- 1 Timothy 3:1-13
- Titus 2:1-15

Outline:

- Mutual responsibility: All members are responsible for one another's well-being
- Love and unity: Members should demonstrate love, forgiveness, and unity (Ephesians 4:1-16)
- Leadership: Elders and deacons should lead with integrity and faithfulness (1 Timothy 3:1-13)
- Godly living: Members should strive to live in accordance with God's Word and serve as examples for others (Titus 2:1-15)
- Prayer and worship: Members should participate in corporate worship and pray for the needs of the church and one another

Lesson 3: Church Discipline

Scriptures:

- Matthew 18:15-20
- 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Outline:

- Purpose of discipline: To restore and reconcile sinful members, maintain the purity of the church, and protect other members
- Biblical basis: Jesus's instruction on confronting sin (Matthew 18:15-20)
- Process:
- Private confrontation
- Involvement of church leaders
- Public rebuke or exclusion if necessary
- Importance of grace and forgiveness: Discipline should be administered with love and the goal of restoration
- Consequences of sin and its impact on the church: Sin can disrupt fellowship, damage witness, and impede spiritual growth

Lesson 4: Church Growth and Evangelism

Scriptures:

- Acts 2:42-47
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Ephesians 4:11-16

Outline:

- Mandate for evangelism: The church has been commissioned to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20)
- Key elements of church growth:
- Sound biblical teaching
- Strong leadership
- Engaged membership
- Effective evangelism efforts
- Roles of members in evangelism:
- Personal witness
- Prayer support
- Financial contributions
- Church outreach programs
- Importance of spiritual maturity: Members should grow in their faith to effectively share the gospel and disciple new believers