I have been going to my church with my GF for over 5 years now. I usher once a month and am active in their Senior Adult Ministries activities. Recently, the Pastor has asked me to come to a meeting for potential new members. I believe they want me to become an official "Member" of the church. I consider myself more than a guest every Sunday.

I am asking for some feedback on what the difference is in my case between a regular guest and a "member", maybe I'm selfish, but I like just doing what I want to when I want to. I really don't want to commit to being asked to volunteer for a ton of stuff. Like I say I'm selfish with my spare time.

I know this sounds like I'm a part time Christian, maybe I am.

Simply of a formality in my opinion/experience. True member metrics, church wide votes to members only, etc....surprised they let you usher. My pastor is old school when it comes to certain things.

Be as active as you want to be! Good job on the attendance, usher serving and ministry activity!

It's all good do what you feel is right for you, But if you need a bicycle when they put you on the road knocking on doors RedRanger I'm sure could hook you up.

If you've been there five years and can't answer the question for us, I'm a little perturbed.

Most likely it's just a rubberstamp. We've got a couple in our church that came with family 40 years ago; they've never officially joined but the wife is in the choir and the husband attends Mens Group meetings. Both have served on committees.

It's likely they want to officially put you on the member roll. They might also have designs on you being on various committees and such and want a 'member'. You should be able to turn down such appointments. They also figure you have more buy-in as a member.

Nothing wrong with being a regular guest, but the point of a church is service to the body. Some would consider it selfish to only receive, and not give in return.

Talk to the pastor. If you can't be completely honest with him, then there's a problem, and it ain't his.

I'd take it as a compliment that he wants you to come to a class. How much "formality" or rubber stamping it is really depends on the denomination. Some denominations have some doctrine they want to make sure you understand and, on the flipside, there could be some doctrinal things that rub you the wrong way and you should really know about them before you decide to join or not.

As far as the time commitment..."just say no" when they ask you to do something you don't want to do. Not every retired Christian is at the church every time the door is unlocked. Some are, but - it's not a point system!

Most importantly - this is between you and God. Pray about it.

I'm guessing it's what I know as a "Bible" or "Fellowship" church without a denomination? If it were Baptist, Church of Christ, Methodist.............the question would be easier to answer.

IMO, there's no such thing as a part time Christian. Maybe a part time church member, but if you believe, you believe. Do what your heart and mind tell you.

If you live with your girlfriend I’d assume the pastor wouldn’t invite you and ask that you not usher. Church membership is more than a visitor and as a member you should at least attempt to live a life that reflects the values of the church. Any church would ask that you meet and discuss your savior and what that means to you. As a member you may teach kids at Sunday school or go talk to the community at an event.

Different pastors are different though.

I would venture to say the difference in a regular guest and member is up to each individual church and "the attendee."

As far as you initial, overall topic, you already answered what your "heart/spirit" goal wants to do.
You are already doing it!
Adding "duties" is not what you want, and the church leadership wants eager employees/volunteers, which is not you.
Your spirit is currently fulfilled.

...+++

IMHO there is no such thing as part time Christian ... maybe part time church goer, just for the social interaction, to please your partner with showing interest, etc. Being a Christian comes down to a belief in your heart, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and following of his teachings. Regardless of Christian denomination. How active a person is with church activities is their own choice. Being a member doesn't make one a Christian, as neither does baptism. Maybe I am splitting hairs ... I know a lot of solid Christians that aren't overly active in "church"

My basic thought is "are each a different level of obligation". Would you feel more obligated to perform duties as a member and thus take away from your enjoyment?

Will attending this "New Member" meeting answer your question or put to ease your concern.

I have felt the "membership push" had a financial tinge in the discussion.

I find more enjoyment doing things that don't carry the weight of obligation. It becomes WORK when you are obligated to do it.

I wake up every day to find out what I don’t know but I do the best I can. I like to think I preach every day. On occasions I may use words. You are probably considered by your pastor as a potential resource for the church. No, I don’t mean $$$. Older senior men tend to have a bit of wisdom about them as well as a bit of common sense. That is a resource worth tapping into. I would hope that is something that you may want to share, especially with the younger or less fortunate folks. Just give it some thought.

Just a thought...Church attendance and service is a way that we can in today's very me focused world, figuratively drop our nets and follow Him...Even statements like I am good, I am saved, are a bit me centered in that we are not thinking about helping others find Him too...The sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf I can never repay, nor does He, incredibly, ask me to repay Him. A gift given freely to any and all who will accept the invitation to take His name upon them and follow Him. Without this gift we would all be lost forever! Being a part of The Body of Christ and doing my best to serve others as He would I feel is the least I can do in an effort to further His message and love for all of mankind. The fact that you are wrestling with the invitation says a lot about the good man you are! Be prayerful about your decision...

Matt 4:
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,
22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

He probably just wants your take on what the best half ton truck is…

Some good responses here , I pasted a couple below that I really the same.

No part time Christians, you believe or you don’t. We all struggle with church attendance , tithes, etc. but ultimately it’s between you and God. As Creek said, pray about it.

Love the levity.

Just do what you’re doing

the seriousness of it is this:

OP has been regularly attending a church, volunteering and is active in their senior ministry group. Pastor has invited him to meet about becoming an official member of the church. OP is hesitant because he might be asked to serve. Not actually serving, but committing to being asked to serve, because it might get in the way of his day to day or being the master of his own destiny


I can appreciate that and I'm selfish with my time as well. I think most Christians struggle with this in some capacity, I certainly did. But this question really should be asked of oneself as to why they are feeling this way. There are numerous scriptures to reference about service and denying one's own self you can look up if you need an official word on it.

If you are hesitant to join a church that you have been attending for the last 5 years in any kind of an official capacity, in my opinion, that is a call for some deep personal reflection and prayer.


We don't serve every single opportunity that comes up. If an opportunity comes up and you don't want to do it, as mentioned previously, just say no. I think this is more of a heart issue than a time/obligation issue. I get it , I've been there

It matters in our church. We practice closed Communion. Its a big thing. LCMS.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_communion

Well said. The half ton truck comment did make me giggle though. I’m certain Buzz and the Pastor will work it out.

Lot of very dedicated well thought out answers, I have often thought that the status of one's self in church or out does not determine the man. Obviously and ultimately you belive in God and this is what matters most.Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Dang y'all continue to amaze me with your thoughtful and knowledgeable comments. I will attend the next meeting and ask some questions I have. BTW the Pastor who asked me is a woman, she and her husband share the Pastoral ship and share the pulpit. He does 90% of the sermons.

Buzz, cool you guys found and are in a good church where you participate. Also very cool that the church leadership and you have a strong relationship. Perhaps they're asking you to join because they have you in mind for some role as churches have many roles to fill. Churches also ask for membership as they're looking for tithes and gifting which is part of the Gospel as well.

I've been part of the music Ministry of my church for many many years. That's sort of my calling. Also maintenance occasionally and projects on campus. My wife is part of several committees as well for events and food after the service. One thing I will refuse to do is be part of the vestry or selected leadership team. I just never wanted to see what was under the dress, you know? TMI might wreck it.

Is she hot?

Semantics only in real life. It all comes down to what name is on the sign what their "rules" are. Church "rules" should be based on the Bible and what's in it. So to answer the question ... you'd have to know what that church requires to qualify for the worldly title "member" then decide if that process is supported by the Bible.

The female pastor thing bothers me more than any of the rest of it.

thats one of many reasons our synod split from the ELCA.