Around the time of a church Annual General Meeting (or AGM) many within the Anglican Church apply to be members by inclusion on the Electoral Roll. This short article, seeks to explain what is involved when you commit to church membership.

In the first instance, trusting in Jesus as Lord and Saviour is important. Secondly, you may want to think about what the Church of England believes (we call it Doctrine) and this is to be found in the 39 Articles of Religion. Thirdly, you may want to consider what the Bible teaches about church membership, such as:

1) Attending worship regularly: They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42.

2) Praying regularly, for members of our church family and for the ongoing ministry and mission of the parish: We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3.

3) Reading your Bible regularly: All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

4) Joining a Home Group (or similar): Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another … Hebrews 10:25.

5) Using the gifts and talents God has given you for His glory and for the encouragement and support of the church family: Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace … 1 Peter 4:10 (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2:8-10; & 4:11-12).

6) Giving regular financial support to the mission and ministry of the parish: Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7.

7) Protecting the unity of the parish by acting in love toward other members of your church family: A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 (Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:29).

8) Giving pastoral care, and practical help, to those in your church family, and in the wider community: May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other, and for everyone else … 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (1 John 3:11-24 & 4:7-21).

9) Sharing your faith with others: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15.

10) Accepting, and supporting, your church leadership – not unthinkingly, but as a responsible adult – following their guidance and oversight: Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17.

Adapted from Rick Warren by Revd Paul A. Carr