A question has arisen over whether or not a Christian is required to join (seek membership in) a local church. Most Christians recognize that membership in a local congregation has many benefits and blessings, as well as duties, for the saint. But is it a sin to remain uncommitted, to simply be a “Christian-at-large” drifting from congregation to congregation, or to be a “permanent visitor” in regular attendance but not identified as a member? This article presents a scriptural answer to this matter.

The answer to the question of membership is easily found when one considers the relationship between the elders, individual saints, and the local church. Please follow along in your Bible and read for yourself.

First, consider the relationship between the elders and the local church. Elders are commanded to take oversight of the local church as shepherds over a flock. The authority of the elders is limited to the local church only, the flock among which they are shepherds. Read Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:1-2. There are no universal elders, nor can the elders of congregation “A” exercise oversight of congregation “B,” nor do elders have pastoral authority over matters apart from the local church.

Now consider the relationship between individual Christians and elders. Individual Christians are commanded to submit to and obey the elders. Read Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Peter 5:5. Since the elder’s authority only extends within the local church, the only way an individual Christian can obey the command to submit to the elders is to join himself to the local church.

Therefore, the saint who does not join himself to a local church cannot obey the command to submit to the elders, and is guilty of the sin of disobedience to God’s command. A Christian who is a “perpetual visitor” or “Christian-at-large” must seek to change his status to “faithful member” either by joining a sound local church or by converting new saints to join together in forming one. Brother Colly Caldwell (1972) wrote, “The idea that I may be a Christian and not a member of a local congregation, if one exists near me, is false to the core. If faithful brethren are joined in the Lord’s work in the area where I live, I must fulfill my collective responsibilities” (Truth Magazine, XVI: 31, pp. 9-10).

What if there are no elders? Just as God created the chicken before the egg, so also the local church must exist before elders can be appointed, for elders are appointed from among the members. A congregation that does not presently have elders must always be working towards having them, and that means the flock must continue to assemble together and move toward that goal. The absence of elders is no excuse not to join the flock . . . you can’t throw the baby out with the water. Rather, you must join the local church in order to help it be ready to obey elders.
There are other compelling reasons in the Scriptures to join a local church, but even this one alone ought to suffice. If you have questions about this topic, or are interested in further study, please contact me!