Sailors, Saints, & Sinners

Membership Matters

Recently, several conversations have made me realize that I have failed to adequately teach and explain to our church family the importance of church membership and why it matters.

The New Testament was written to local churches to address issues going on inside those bodies of believers.  We simply cannot escape the importance the local church has in the Bible.  The biblical prominence of the local church implies that the local church has significance to God and therefore should to us as well.

While membership in a local church is not specifically commanded, it is definitely implied (The doctrine of the Trinity that God exists as Father, Son, & Holy Spirit is never specifically mentioned or explained in the Bible, but it is definitely implied.).  We see this implication about membership in several ways in the Scriptures –

In the NT people were commanded to meet together on a regular basis. This implies a strong connection and commitment to a group of Christ-followers.

In the NT people in the church were subject to discipline by the church.  If there is no commitment and no membership, how can the church carry out this command?  For example, I discipline my children (not yours) because they are members of my family.  I Corinthians 5 is all about whether or not the church should “expel” someone who is behaving immorally.  These are specific instructions to a local church where someone inside that church, a member, is behaving inconsistently with the teachings of Christ (see I Cor. 5:12-13).  The fact is we all need discipline from time to time but discipline cannot occur where there is no authority and membership to a local church places you under the spiritual authority of that church.

In the NT people in the church practiced accountability with each other. The early Christians were commanded to encourage each other to remain true to God, to go after wayward brothers & sisters, and to speak the truth in love.  All of this implies that these people were connected in a way deeper than, “How are you today?” Fine. Thank you. How are you?” They had joined together and submitted themselves to one another to walk together as Christ-followers.  This implies a strong and formal commitment to each other, to Christ, and to His church.

In the NT people were commanded to submit to church leadership (see Hebrews 13:17).  This means that each believer was supposed to be part of a church and under the leadership of that church.  I will add that this does not mean the church is a dictatorship but that leadership in the church is to be servant-based.  However, we cannot ignore the fact that God appoints leaders to serve the church and keep her focused on God’s mission, AND those leaders will be held accountable according to Hebrews 13:17.  Here is the question: if people are not formally committed to a local church then who is accountable for them and who are they accountable to?  The answer:  NO ONE and that is an unbiblical position.

Additionally, the NT assigns elders with the role of protecting the flock (see more below), and they are held accountable by God for doing so.  How do the elders know their flock unless the flock is a “member”? (see Acts 20:28) and placed formally under the elder-shepherds of that specific church body?  Once again the implication for formal membership in a local “flock” is very evident.

In the NT the spiritual leaders were charged with protecting their flock from false teachings (see Titus 1:9-11).  The NT local churches had people other than just pastors and elders in teaching roles.  After all, they met in homes spread out throughout a local community.  To ensure that the “flock” was being taught correctly, the elders must ensure those entrusted to teach adhere to some core doctrines of the faith.  Through membership, the church is able to ensure that people subscribe to the same basic beliefs, doctrines, and theology.

This is one reason we have for requiring that anyone who teaches or facilitates a Rock Bridge small group (children, students, or adults) be a member of the church.  Our membership class covers our vision, values, and beliefs.  This way we have some means of ensuring that anyone who teaches is on the same page in terms of what we believe about the Bible, Jesus Christ, and the church.  In this way, membership serves a protective function over the local flock.

Common Questions:

Aren’t all Christians members of the church?

Yes.  All Christians are part of God’s universal church.  However, biblically we see that the church is both universal and local.  The universal church is somewhat invisible and includes all believers throughout all time.  The local church is designed by God to be the local expression (in time and context) of the universal body of Christ.

Does membership go against God’s radically inclusive grace?

While the church must be careful NOT to make membership legalistic, we cannot ignore that God intentionally places His children into a community of committed Christ-followers.  Additionally, God’s grace is what produces within us a desire to obey and follow God.  Part of obeying God clearly includes participation in and submission to a local church family.  Therefore, we do not join a church to be accepted by God but we join because we are accepted by Him; therefore, we joyfully accept & obey His commands as part of His good and perfect will for our lives.

At Rock Bridge can I still serve if I am not a member?

YES!  There are many ways to serve at Rock Bridge that do not require membership.  However, for teaching/shepherding roles we do require formal membership.

What I Learned at the Tennessee Aquarium

Last Monday we took Eyasu and Abreham to the Tennessee Aquarium.  Eyasu loved the penguins and Abreham loved looking at the fish.  We had a great time.  However, I couldn’t help but notice some things beyond the animals, fish, and birds …

1.  Great environments attract crowds.

Downtown Chattanooga used to be a rough place and definitely not a place for families.  Through visionary leadership and bold leadership the aquarium was planned and built.  Downtown Chattanooga began transforming into a pro-family, pro-business, pro-community environment.  It is a case of “if you build it, they will come.”  However, I think it is more a case of if you build the right environment they will come.  Families want safe, fun, clean places to go.  Kids want to discover new things. Businesses want to be well located.  The aquarium helped create perfect conditions for these things to occur.

As I think about the church, I believe strongly that the un-churched are open to a safe, welcoming place to hear about biblical truth in understandable ways.  They want to explore and discover without fear of condemnation and rejection.

On the other side, the past 8 years have shown me that active Christians want a place to bring or invite their un-churched friends to attend.  They want to bring people to church and help them begin steps of faith.

Like the leaders who brought the aquarium to Chattanooga, we in the church must constantly evaluate how to create environments that address the spiritual “itch” of our culture, bringing God’s truth to people who are searching for it.

2.  Great service helps a crowd become committed.

The aquarium staff and volunteers are well-trained and generally proud of their work, proud of their mission, and focused on the people that come.  One lady shared with me some “insider” knowledge about when they fed the sharks because she wanted to maximize my experience (I’m sure she shared it with others too).  The staff took note that we had young children and offered special assistance and help.  The result this “above and beyond” service? People keep coming back and they tell others about their experience.  In other words, they become more than a crowd … they become committed.  I talked with one patron who has season passes! I mean seriously, how much fish can you take?  But it’s not just about fish.  It’s about a positive experience created by an attractive environment that is staffed by passionate people.

What makes a church effective is so much more than good music, good programs (or ministries), or good preaching.  Ultimately, it is people who touch and impact other people.  In Acts, God always worked through people to impact other people.  The result? A crowd was attracted and many became committed to Christ.

3.  Don’t underestimate the power and potential of volunteers.

I was amazed at how many volunteers the aquarium used.  They were everywhere and doing a lot of jobs that you would think “deserved a pay check.”  But apparently, the aquarium is able to recruit and deploy volunteers, and the quality of the experience does not suffer … in fact, it is enhanced.

The church over the years has gravitated more and more to letting the so-called “professional” Christians do the work.  Lay people think they aren’t qualified and staff members think they are the only ones who can do it and do it right. But when you read Ephesians 4:11-12 you realize the church is to be run and built by its members who are equipped and empowered by its staff!  If a big fish tank through great leadership and an exciting vision, can empower volunteers so effectively … just think what the church that Jesus Christ founded can and should do through its people!?!?!

Weekly Rundown (7.25.2010)

• This has been one of the craziest & busiest summers!  Trying to hire two new staff members for children and groups, gearing up for a great fall season, working out more details of short-term mission trips, a new web site, etc. etc.  Really proud of our staff and volunteers for keeping the momentum rolling during the summer season!
• Pumped about LIES OF THE DEVIL.  Some of these lies are so subtle but so deadly. Praying the truth sets us free!!
• Can’t wait for our new web site to launch!!!!!
• Already praying for a BIG, GOD-GLORIFYING BAPTISM in September!!
• Had several conversations this week that have confirmed that I have failed to do a good job explaining the biblical basis for church membership.  I’ll post a blog on that subject later this week and we’ll discuss it in a message in the future.  Thanks so much for those who talked to me about this!!
• We have a team leaving for Haiti in 2 weeks … pray for them and for this country!
• Great meeting with Chattanooga-area church planters last Friday.  We need more people to plant churches!!
• Have a great week!

Weekly Rundown (7.18.2010)

• Great to be back from vacation! It was great to get away for the first time with our family … but it always AWESOME to be with my church family!!
• Last week we lost A/C in the Wink. This week we lost the video feed in Stage 123.  We are very sorry for those in Stage during the 11 am service!!  We have had this happen only twice in the 3+ years of Stage 123 … but it really stinks.
  • You listen and watch the message online here.
  • We will work out a better redundancy system in case of this equipment failure happens again.
• We will be unveiling a brand new web site VERY soon (end of the month … we hope).  This site is going to be great and will be much more “multi-site” and “user” friendly.
• Real excited about our next series called LIES OF THE DEVIL that starts in 2 weeks!!
  • During our services on August 26th & 29th we will have a very clear, very strong, and prayerfully very powerful presentation of the Gospel. Please begin praying NOW for these services and seeking opportunities to invite people who need Jesus to come to church with you that day!!
• I finally made the switch from PC to Mac … and so far … I LOVE IT!!  How could I have been so late to “see the light”??!!??  Better late than never!
• Eyasu is really talking a lot.  We can’t always understand him but it is amazing that in 3 months, he can communicate and understand so well.  It is taking our relationship with him to a whole new level.
• I love being a dad!!!!!!
• I love our church!!!!!!!
• Have a great week!!!!!

Staff Transitions: Groups

One of my great friends and partners in ministry, Jay Ashlock, has decided to step down as our Pastor of Discipleship/Small Groups.  After seeking God’s wisdom, he felt the best move for him and his family at this time in their lives would be to move out of vocational ministry and back into public education. 

Jay will be missed on our staff.  Personally, I will miss his friendship, advice, and encouragement that I was blessed to enjoy almost daily for over a year.  His love for Jesus, passion for Rock Bridge, compassion for people, and incredible wisdom bring much glory to God.  But Jay will continue to offer himself to God … just on a different platform.  He will still serve as a volunteer and be an active part of Rock Bridge.

What is next for Rock Bridge groups and our staff?

We have moved immediately to begin seeking our next Discipleship/Groups Pastor.  We have decided to partner with a ministry/church search firm, the Vanderbloemen Search Group, to help us find God’s person for this important position.  All resumes will be submitted to them and they will help us identify a final slate of 4-6 candidates to pray over, interview, and hopefully call as our next Discipleship Pastor (email:  resumes@vanderbloemensearch.com listing Rock Bridge Community Church).

In the meantime, Megan Pulver (megan@rockbridge.cc) will be the main “go to” and contact person for our groups ministry. Campus Pastors and others on staff will assist her and anyone seeking information about small groups. You can always find group information at lobby spaces before and after our services.

Monday is for Missions: the Unreached & Unengaged

In our world today there are some 12,000 distinct people groups.  A people group is collection of people with similiarities such as language, culture, geography, etc through which the Gospel of Christ can spread easily.

6500 of these groups are “unreached” which means <2% of their members are evangelical believers in Jesus Christ. This effectively means that there is not an indigenous community of evangelical Christians with adequate numbers and resources to spread the Gospel within that particular people group.  The total population of these unreached people groups represent 1.6 billion people or 25% of the world!! Many of these groups are also “unengaged”, meaning there is no church or organization actively working inside that people group to spread the Gospel!

To put it bluntly, almost every one of these people live and die without ever hearing the Gospel and there is currently no active work trying to change their situation!!

• Pray for these people groups.
• Pray for a new wave of missionary activity to come.
• Pray for an open and burdened heart as our church begins to wrestle with our responsibility regarding the unreached and unengaged.
• Visit www.peoplegroups.org  or www.joshuaproject.net for more information.

Weekly Rundown (6.27.2010)

• Love God & country type services but praying for the Gospel to transform our nation once again!
• Our students got back (which means so did my wife!!) from a great mission trip.  I remain convinced that the sooner we give young people an opportunity to “live their faith”, the deeper their faith grows, making it ever so harder for Satan to deceive them as they enter young adulthood. More importantly, God is always glorified when His people “go”!!
• Really proud of our children’s ministry staff and volunteers! We are one staff member short but their hearts and passion and work ethic is awesome!
• June surprise: attendance is down (no surprise … it is summer), but giving is actually UP!  Only God!
• Our worship leaders have revamped their entire creative planning process.  I am pumped for what the Holy Spirit is going to produce through their efforts.  Start looking for the fruits of their labors in August when we start a series called, Lies of the Devil!!!
• I played Mr. Mom this week … had to switch from man-to-man to zone defense with the boys.  Whew!! Thank God “mommy” is home
• Starting teaching Abreham how to fall asleep on his own … which means we are putting him in his crib just before he falls asleep and letting him cry for a pre-determined period of time before we go check on him.  First few nights, he cried for 25+ minutes; last night, only 7 minutes! He is figuring it out and sleeping for 10+ hours straight!!
• Eyasu’s English continues to improve.  He said “It’s cool” (meaning its good and awesome) in context this week!!
• Have a great week!!

Weekly Rundown (6.20.2010)

• Wrapped up our Fanatic series today.  What a profound impact this series has had on my own life.  A few highlights for me personally:
  • We can enjoy God.  It’s not a “duty” to be a Christ-follower, it is a delight.
  • God wants worshipers.  The goal of worship is to produce more worshipers of God.
  • Everything, I mean everything, in history is about the glory of God.  How can I/we/us be part of that?
• We finished up “One Great Nation” [part 2] next week … can’t wait!!
• My first Father’s Day weekend!! What a blessing to be these two boys’ father!!
• We have 2 staff members wearing casts and one who got bit by a copperhead … should we be concerned?
• I just finished reading Dr. David Platt’s book, Radical.  WOW!  This book along with The Hole in Our Gospel and our adoption journey has had a profound impact on my understanding of Christianity and forcing me to ask some tough questions for myself, my family, and our church.
  • What kind of service does the Gospel of Jesus Christ demand and deserve?
  • What kind of church does the Gospel produce?
  • What is my role as a  ”global” Christian? What is our church’s role in the call to “make disciples of all nations”?
  • What is our responsibility as Christians for addressing evils in the world such as poverty, hunger, disease, disaster response, etc. etc. ?
• Beth is away next week on a mission trip … I’m flying solo at home … thank God for family!!
• Have a great week!

Fanatic — Series Sources

Resources and sources for the FANATIC series (3 parts during June 2010):

• Radically Unchurched by Alvin Reid
• Worship is What?! by Tom Kraeuter
• Fresh Encounter by Henry Blackaby and Claude King
• Worship: Believers Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Ron Owens
• Exegetical teaching of John Piper on worship (web site: www.desiringgod.com)

Weekly Rundown (6.5.2010)

• Take the Rock Bridge “Snapshot” Survey. It’s only 10 questions and it will really help us better understand how we are doing as a church and what God is doing through our church.
• We announced that we are not having the 2010 Fall Festival this week. For a detailed explanation please see the related blog post.
• Great all-staff meeting this week. We gave out two recognitions that were pretty cool:
  • The WD-40/Duct Tape Award: for the staff member who held things together (duct tape) and kept things moving (WD-40).
  • The Giraffe Award: for the staff member who went above and beyond and really stuck their neck out.
• Our Chatsworth Campus will be moving to Bagley Middle School in a few weeks as the new North Murray High School is moving into their new facility over the summer; however since the theater is not yet completed we can’t move with them.  However, we are VERY excited about being at Bagley … great partnership emerging!
• School is out and summer is officially here.  When that happens two things tend to become inconsistent: church attendance and regular giving to God.  We’ve got two options to help with that!!
  • Rock Bridge PM: if you’re gone a lot on the weekends, you do not have to miss church and what God might do or say!!  {Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Wink Theatre on our Dalton Campus}
  • E-Give: a simple and easy way to give online.  This works like a bank draft.
• Our Children’s Minister search will shift into first gear in the next week or so. Please be in pray for this process … and this person.
• Hoping to get to the lake sometime soon with the boys!!
• Have a great week