A Christian who is not a member of a local congregation is like an ORGAN without a body, a SHEEP without a shepherd, and an ORPHAN without a family.

- One body but many members (1 Corinthians 12:12-28)

- A sheep without a shepherd can easily go astray and wander in wilderness (1 King 22:17, 1 Peter 2:25)

- The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the family of God and you are a family member (Ephesians 3:14-15)

Membership Benefits

Spiritual Benefits:

- Spiritual protection [sheep & shepherd]. Your leaders watch for your souls as they that give account of you (Hebrews 13:17)

- Spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:3)

- Spiritual support

- Fellowship

Physical Benefits (Pastoral care):

- Counseling and attention during sickness, tragedy, bereavement.

- Assistance with weddings, baby dedications and funerals.

- Home visitations and special counseling in difficult situations.

- Great fellowship and relationships with other church members.

- Premarital counseling.

- Help with weddings and funerals are only available for members.

- Free solid biblical training for spiritual growth through our Road to Discipleship Program.

- Ministry opportunities to fulfill your calling.

- Special intercessory prayers for all members.

- Enriched multi-cultural environment that enhances your personal experience.

Membership Commitment

Your membership can add value to the church as you:

- Live in harmony with church doctrines.

- Promote unity (1 Peter 2:8)

- Attend church regularly (Hebrews 10:25)

- Serve in ministry faithfully (1 Corinthians 12)

- Support the church financially (2 Corinthians 9:5-9)

Tithes: The First 10% of our earnings

It is the expression of your faith and trust in God as your sole provider

.It helps you acknowledge the countless blessings of God, including your finances.

It gives you an opportunity to participate in the advancement of His work on earth through the Church.

Abraham, our father of faith, paid tithe under Grace (Genesis 14:18-23, Hebrews 7:7-8)

Offering: Different from tithe and has no specific percentage. It is a generous, sacrificial giving to meet needs.

It is an additional opportunity to finance the work of the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

It promotes cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7-10)

It opens doors for others to give unto you (Luke 6:38)

Discussion Question

Using the illustration of the significance of being a member of the physical body, discuss what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ.

List and discuss the benefits of the member being an intricate part of the body.

List and discuss the commitments of the member and in particular your understanding of giving of tithes and offerings.