Once was a day when there was an expectation in the wider society that proper folks would make the commitment of membership in their chosen houses of worship. And it was presumed by members that once a new person got involved a congregation, surely they’d take the next steps to make it “official”.
Religious affiliation has gone down precipitously in America. Church, temple, or mosque membership is hardly a social norm any more. But congregations are still in the habit of expecting that new folks will become official members.
Membership needs a re-think... and a re-feel.
A person can belong fully to a congregation without ever becoming an official member. Whether members or not, all are invited to enjoy and participate and serve and financially and practically support the community.
Membership, by contrast, should be a calling. A special vocation of service.
It would make little sense to expect or even hope that everyone should go to college and seminary for seven years and then go through an arduous ordination process. That’s a choice of a distinct kind of professional vocation.
Likewise, membership should be welcomed but not expected of everyone who belongs to a faith community. Membership is a sacred and noble decision to share responsibility for the mission of a congregation, and to serve the wider world on its behalf.
Congregational members take on the joyous and serious responsibility of caring for the community and those who belong to it, working for its spiritual and practical sustenance and growth. Today, more than ever, membership is a high calling – because it is counter-cultural to make this kind of commitment in a society so atomized and disconnected.
If you are a member of a congregation, know that your service is honored and appreciated. Know that your calling to extend radical compassion into the community and the world is esteemed.
If you are considering membership, ponder its significance and responsibilities with opened inner eyes. Search your heart to see if this vocation is right for you.
If you belong but aren’t a member, may you be in solidarity with the members who serve your congregation, by offering your participation and financial support.
It's the time of year for giving to the causes and communities that matter to us - not just financially, but through time and effort and spiritual engagement. A time to be clear about what it means to belong, and what it means to be a member....