Central Abbotsford

On multiple occasions, I have had people ask me the question of whether a particular matter or topic is “Biblical”. It is a good question, and usually one where I understand what exactly is being asked, but it is a question that often needs some fine-tuning for clarity. After all, what are we asking when we ask if something is “Biblical”?

Certainly, “Biblical” must mean more than just “found in the Bible”. After all, there are a number of events found in the Bible that we are called not to admire or emulate; indeed, one of the first stories is of Cain murdering his brother Abel. Perhaps then, we mean “required by the Bible”? But that definition also breaks down – after all, marriage is not required by the Bible and yet it is undeniably “Biblical” – both something present in the Scriptures, and indeed a matter to which the Bible speaks directly.

Does “Biblical” then mean “permitted by the Bible?” There are a lot of things that are permitted by the Scripture (at least in the sense that they are not explicitly forbidden by it – there is an argument to be had in another newsletter about whether that’s what “permitted” should mean) such as driving a car, doing a crossword, or working as a plumber. In fact, this category is so wide as to almost render it meaningless.

Maybe, then, instead of asking whether something is “Biblical”, we should shift our measurement to whether it is “Christ-honouring”. In Romans 14, when Paul is concluding a discourse about whether certain matters are or should be part of the faithful Christian’s life, he writes: “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honour of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honour of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honour of the Lord and gives thanks to God.” (v 5-6).

When Paul writes that everyone “should be fully convinced in his own mind”, he means that whatever action we take, we should be able to draw a rational position, reasoned from the Scriptures, that justifies how our particular course of action honours the Lord. 

With that as backdrop, I will address a particular issue that has come up in these types of conversations a few times lately: membership in a local church. It is correct that formalized membership is not commanded or required at any point in the Scriptures. Despite this, I argue that there are at least three good reasons why membership, for those who have regularly attended a church to the point that they consider it their “home” with no reason impending to move from that home, is honouring to Christ.

First, it is a declaration of mutual accountability. Hebrews 3:13 calls us to ”exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none…may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Galatians 6:2 says “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Church membership is a means by which we commit these principles to one another – where we show the love to look out for and care for one another as a means by which we can reflect the love that Christ showed for us, thus honouring Him by abiding by His command to do just that.

Second, it is a means by which you formally submit to church leadership. Hebrews 13:17 says “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Matthew 18 establishes a procedure for church discipline and reconciliation of relationships. While church discipline may not be the most exciting reason to consider membership, its purpose is to draw wayward people back into right relationship with God.

Third, in a context where non-profit societies (which is the type of legal entity that Northview Community Church is) require a membership roll for proper governance and oversight, membership is a responsibility for those committed to Northview’s good. You might think that it is a stretch to call this Christ-honouring. But, 1 Peter 2:13-4 calls us to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors sent by him”. Abiding by the laws and requirements of civic authorities (when those are not explicitly countered by God’s laws and requirements) is Christ-honouring!

So, with all of that in mind, if you call Northview (and especially if you call Central Abbotsford) your church home, but you are not yet a member of the church, then I invite you to consider it! We are hosting a membership class right here at Central Abby after the service on April 25, at 7pm. Both I and Pastor Jesse Wilson will be leading it, as we walk you through the history of our church, and what it looks like to walk in a committed community with one another, while deepening roots in Christ. You can sign up to register here, or let me or Carrie know on Saturday that you’d like to be a part!