Page 89 - Pastoral Ministries -Student Textbook

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A GOOD CHURCH MEMBER

A church is not the building in which the people meet. A church is a congregation of baptized believers
voluntarily associated together for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel, observing the ordinances, and
fellowshipping the love and grace of the Lord Jesus. Jesus founded the church (Matthew 16:18) and so loved it
that He gave Himself for it (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25).

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: As a church member should I attend the services of the church?
Answer: According to Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together” I must faithfully attend the services of the church.

Question: As a church member should I witness for Jesus?
Answer: According to Luke 24:45-48), Acts 1:8, we are to witness to the saving
grace of Jesus to everyone everywhere.

Question: As a church member should I read my Bible and pray every day?
Answer: According to John 5:39, Acts 17:11, I Timothy 4:13-16, Revelation 1:3, I
am faithfully to read my Bible and, according to Luke 18:1, 1
Thessalonians 5:17, I am to pray always.

Question: Does God have a plan for me to support the church?
Answer: According to 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, I am every first day of the week
9Sunday) to give to God a proportionate part of my income. Those who love Jesus will practice
Grace giving as God has so led in their heart. It is a holy privilege to give (2 Corinthians 8:9, 2
Corinthians 9:6-7).

SUGGESTED PRAYER WITH CHILD

After Dr. Criswell met with a child and after they had read and discussed Joining the Church, he would have
them repeat a prayer after him. The prayer he would pray was:

Our Father in heaven
We thank Thee for Jesus
That he died on the cross
To save us from our sins.
We thank thee for our church
Bless me as I join the church
Bless me as I am baptized

Help me to be a good church member
May I grow in grace
And in the knowledge of the Lord

Bless my dear father
And my sweet mother
And the circle of our home
May I be a joy to them
As long as I live
88