We tend to think that people once joined churches because everybody else did. Now the rules have changed and conformity is no longer a motivating factor. In fact, George Gallup has found that the vast majority of Americans believe it is possible to be a “good Christian” without joining (or even attending) a local church.
Here at Salem Church we think differently. We think membership is an act of commitment. And there are numerous benefits to membership
- It identifies a person as a genuine believer (Eph 2:19; Rom 12:5)
- It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage them in their walk with Christ (Gal 6:1-2; Heb 10:24-25).
- It gives them a place to discover and use their gifts in ministry (1 Cor 12:4-27)
- It places them under the spiritual protection of godly leaders (Heb 13:17; Acts 20:28-29)
- It gives them the accountability they need to grow (Eph. 5:21).
In fact, the church provides you with benefits you cannot find anywhere else in the world:
- Worship helps you focus on God. It prepares you spiritually and emotionally for the week ahead.
- Fellowship helps you face life’s problems by providing the support and encouragement of other Christians.
- Discipleship helps you fortify your faith by learning the truth of God’s Word and applying biblical principles to your lifestyle.
- Ministry helps you find and develop your talents and use them in serving others.
- Evangelism helps you fulfill your mission of reaching your friends and family for Christ.
Even though church can be a fragile and imperfect structure since those who attend are sinners like the rest of the world, it is nevertheless a fact that it remains constant and safe environment in a society that is on the verge of moral breakdown. With the collapse of the nuclear family, with high divorce rate, delayed marriages, the emphasis on individuality, and “alternative lifestyles”, the infrastructure of our society is falling apart. Another factor is the high mobility in our society, where few people have real roots. They are no longer surrounded by the extended family of aunts and uncles, grandparents and brothers and sisters that provided a safety net for previous generations.
Today we have a record number of single adults in America. We are becoming a nation of strangers in an epidemic of loneliness. Four in ten Americans admit to frequent feelings of intense loneliness. Because of all that we see, we find more need for the church than ever before, a place where people can connect. Advertisers have discovered that independent-minded baby boomers are suddenly longing to be connected as they enter middle age. This is a timely opportunity to give to the world the infra-structure of the church. In order to do so, all those that believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior need to get together to work together. Consider becoming a member here at Salem Church where there is passion for God, and compassion for people.
Contact: Pastor Eddie Cole |
