Community vs. Members

This evening at our monthly Session meeting one of my elders raised a very thought provoking issue.  We had just approved the adult baptism of a guy who, along with his two children and his girlfriend, has become a wonderful part of our church over the past few months.  The issue she raised was if someone had to become a member of the church when they were baptized.  I explained that's how it works--you are baptized into the church, and therefore become a member.  Another elder pointed out that's why we don't do private baptisms; one cannot be a Christian outside of a Christian community.

Which makes me wonder:  Is the issue about semantics?  Does 'church member' carry negative connotations that 'part of this Christian community' doesn't?  Maybe 'church member' brings up images of an exclusive club, membership cards, joining fees, obligations, insiders and outsiders.

Maybe being a 'member' is passe.  Maybe no one cares about 'church membership.'

What does matter is being part of a community where you are cared for, where you are safe, where you can grow and become the person God wants you to be.  That's what the church is (or should be!).  And what is baptism?  The rite of initiation into that community.  God's grace at work within an individual saying, "Hey, come here, this is where you belong."

People aren't into joining the church.  Can't blame them, actually.  With all the baggage 'joining' and 'church' bring along?  No thanks.  However, people are desperate for true community; desperate for a place to belong, where they can say, "Here.  This is it.  These are my peeps."

But when does someone move from not part of the community to part of the community?  It happens organically, sure.  It might be tough to place a date and time on it.  But it does happen, and that is a milestone for the individual and the community.  Everywhere else in life we mark important milestones--with gold rings or gold watches, ceremonies and certificates.  How do we do it in a meaningful, appropriate, and appealing way in the church?

So maybe we update the words.  One no longer 'joins the church,' one 'becomes a part of the local Christian community.'  Changing the way we talk about it is one thing.  Changing how we use our new words/concepts when interpreting our church polity, that takes a bit more effort, but can be done.


Bonus Content
What about children who are baptized and welcomed as members of God's family?  The answer is in the question:  They are members of God's family.  Because their parents are part of the church community, the children will be raised as part of the community.  They are not old enough to take personal responsibility for the community (that comes at Confirmation), but they are, nonetheless, members of the faith community.