In our cultural context, the term membership can imply that the church is something you can merely “join” in the same way you join a local health club, golf course, or community organization. Membership in those settings involves paying a set of dues to an organization in exchange for a service. You have certain privileges as a member, and your relationship with that organization is a consumer in nature.
A church however isn’t something you just “join”. It is assuming the responsibility of committing, sharing, and investing in relationships with one another and helping fulfill the mission and purpose of the church. It is much more like joining a team than an organization. Therefore, we feel that the term “partner” best describes what it means to be intentionally committed to a local church. The partnership is less about special privileges and more about intentional accountability, serving, and overseeing your discipleship to Jesus.
