Greetings,

We want to begin by expressing our thankfulness for the people God has put in this church body. He is working in our midst and we are eager to see how He will use His people for His glory in the coming years.

This letter is our attempt as elders to shed light on the issue of membership here at Auburn Sovereign Grace Fellowship. As we discussed membership recently we came to the realization that there were no compelling reasons to become a member or practical differences between members and non-members. It became evident that we needed a clearer understanding of membership here at ASGF.

While membership is not clearly called for biblically, we see it as a tangible way to express the type of biblical commitment that is so endangered in today’s world of endless choices, non-committal relationships, and blatant consumerism.

As we understand membership, at its core, it is more about a relationship than political influence or exclusive privileges. Specifically, membership is an expression of a covenantal relationship between like-minded believers in a certain locality. It is the kind of relationship we see portrayed in the early chapters of Acts as believers lived life together in love and commitment. Membership is a declaration of relational commitment.

A brief consideration of relationships involving commitment in our culture reveals that they are almost always expressed through something more than assumptions and loose verbal commitments. When we commit to our spouse in marriage we communicate our commitment in a rather elaborate (and often quite expensive) ceremony and through official government documents.

Membership is a form of this kind of intense and meaning-filled communication. Membership says, “I love these people, I am eager to be a part of the mission this church is on, I welcome the care and input of the leadership of this body, I can’t wait to serve my spiritual family, I want people around me who will turn me back from my sin and point me to Christ, I am in, all in!”

Communicating commitment in this way is a powerful aid to us as elders as we approach the task of shepherding the flock of God. Your expression of commitment in membership opens the door and empowers us in both pro-active shepherding as we encourage you in living out the gospel and more re-active and correction oriented shepherding. It is an invitation for us to care for your souls.

Membership also serves to mutually build up and strengthen the members of the church. Joining the church as members strengthens and prepares believers to spur one another on in their pursuit of Christ by openly engaging with one another in confession, encouragement, accountability, service, fellowship, etc.

We encourage you to take the strategic step of joining ASGF as a member for the good of your leaders, your fellow members, and your own soul.