Mark 5: A Healthy Church Member is a Biblical Evangelist

Evangelism does not depend on eloquence, using the correct mood lighting, emotionally sappy songs and stories, or high-pressure sales pitches. We simply and deeply trust God and the power of the gospel to produce the fruit he desires. We plant and water faithfully, confidently trusting that God will give the increase. Faithful evangelism must (1) be content-specific, presenting the truth about God, men and women, sin, Jesus, and Jesus’ work; (2) present Jesus as the exclusive way of salvation; and (3) call the hearer to repentance and faith in Christ.

Mark 6: A Healthy Church Member is a Committed Member

It is God’s intent that the local church be central to the life of his people. While there is no “book of church membership” in the Bible, the idea of membership is nearly everywhere in Scripture. Many practices and commands given to the church lose all meaning if membership is not practiced, visibly identifiable, and important – commands on church leadership, on church discipline, and on keeping lists and voting.

The essence of membership is committed love to another. Love is singled out as signifying to the watching world that we belong to Christ (John 13:34-35). A healthy Christian is one who is committed to expressing this kind of love toward other Christians. Faithful church attendance is associated tightly with stirring each other to love and good deeds. Committed membership is expressed by attending regularly, seeking peace, edifying others, warning and admonishing others, pursuing reconciliation, bearing with others, and preparing for the ordinances.