This morning, I am using John 21:15–17 as a segue to teach about elders and shepherding. In this text, Jesus tells Peter to shepherd His sheep. But what does that mean? That is what I want to talk about. I am going to use the language of “meaningful” membership.
“Meaningful” membership is a way of contrasting membership in Berean with nominal membership. By “nominal,” I mean in name only—yes, I am a member, but I do not attend regularly; they do not know me, and I do not know them. That’s the person who comes, sits in a pew, occupies a spot, listens to the sermon, and then leaves. That kind of membership is normative in many churches. That kind of membership does not glorify God. It does not contribute to making disciples or to Christlike transformation.
In contrast to nominal church membership, meaningful church membership has the following characteristics:
- Participation in worship services, Sunday School, and other gatherings is a priority, not mere attendance.
- A conscious effort to serve in the body of Christ is made by each member.
- Financial support is voluntarily given to the ministry.
- Members strive to know one another so they can pray for each other and hang out.
- Accountability is embraced, not avoided—members are known and willing to be known.
- Submission to biblical leadership is practiced, as members are willing to be taught, led, and corrected.
Let me press in just a little bit more. When you talk about Berean, is it your church or their church? Let’s say you and I bump into each other in public. Will you say to your friend, “Bob, this is my pastor”? Or will you say something else—something less relational, less committed? Or will you say, “Pastor Sean is my shepherd?” Is Berean your church? Are the elders your elders? Could an elder speak into your life, and would you permit them to?
Each week, we use the white cards to reinforce “meaningful membership.” Do you fill one out each week? We ask you to consider the reality that you have not chosen to unite with Berean. What if the two options on the white cards were “shepherd me” or “don’t shepherd me”? What would you choose then? Yes, I am pressing in, but I am doing so out of a conviction that shepherds shepherd sheep. That is what they do.
Presently, I could list 25 adults who need to join the ranks as meaningful members. I want to be your shepherd. Please indicate on your white card this morning that you desire to pursue membership. And for those who are choosing to stay on the outside, what is the issue?
