"Public intent allows others to participate in personal journey..."

Notes from the Pastor…

After worship on Sunday we gathered in our Multi-purpose Room for our 2010 New Members Reception.  In 2010, First Christian Church welcomed 32 new members into our community! This is both a testament to the great work Jesus has done in the church body and also to our loving, inclusive body of believers.  Many thanks are rendered to Pastor Max Jones, who allowed God to work though his efforts, bringing the church to the point of reconciliation and shared vision.As I walked through the reception, I realized that I have never formally presented my views on church membership. Please allow me to concisely do so via my written pulpit:

In Matthew 16:18, when Jesus says, “I will build my church upon this rock”, he is speaking to Peter’s confession – “You are the Christ.”  It is that statement of faith that Jesus chooses to build his fellowship upon.  It is that same statement that we as Disciples of Christ choose to build our fellowship upon – “Jesus is the Christ.”

However, one need not walk down the aisle, or meet in the pastor’s office to make such a statement.

Moreover, a follower of Christ does not have to formally join any organization to benefit from shared fellowship in Jesus. In this way, membership in a local congregation is somewhat like marriage.  Couples who

love one another do not necessarily have to go though the wedding or marriage ceremonies to be considered spouses.  In fact, there are many spouses who live together for their entire lives without being officially or legally married.  I do not necessarily find this the best way to live.  In such cases there can be a lack of public intent, communal support, and accountability.  Furthermore, there is great significance in the exchanging
of vows: promises to love, support, and care in mutual journey though life.Similarly, when we join a congregation, we are promising to love, support, and care for our brothers and sisters in Christ.  While formal
membership is not necessary for such activities, it is vital. Public intent allows others to participate in personal journey, bringing communal support and accountability.  After all, John Donne warned us long ago, “No man [or woman] is an island, entire of itself.”    

Your brother and fellow member,
Pastor Ryan