My wife and I attend and support financially and with our work a very nice church, however we have not joined the church.

We enjoy a pleasant and high degree of fellowship, and have discussed whether or not we wish to "officially" join the church, and wonder if there would be any additional blessing or advantage to being a member.

At the end of the service, rather than extend an invitation to join, the pastor simply says that anyone who is interested can come to the altar and affirm or re-affirm a commitment to Christ.

I personally never have "joined" a church. I don't think I ever will, either. I trully see no difference in being a member or not, unless you want to be involved in the admin part of it.

If a church made a big deal out of it, I would probably stop attending the church. Simply because it gives me the impression that they care more about numbers.

I see it both ways. We are members of a church and I support it faithfully. The advantages are the fellowship and resources.
We consider our home church more of a home base, because we also worship at several other places. We consider what we do as being the body of Christ.
It gives us a chance to hear different pastors and try out different churches.
Meanwhile we love our home church are very plugged in and involved, Sunday School (we lead) Bible Studies(We Lead) Small Groups etc.
Our daughters are in youth groups etc. Once our kids are out of school we will probably just sell everything and become missionaries.;)
But for now it works for us, although it is BUSY.

Nowadays, it seems like church membership entails a free gym membership and a bumper sticker that says "I'm a member at Six Flags Over Jesus".

Church membership, for me is a commitment to that church and also the business of the church.
My church doesn't harp on membership but it is extended.
I believe it is a personal choice between you and God and I enjoy knowing I have a home church.

We all are members of the Church. Too often we confuse being a member of the Church as going to that place we go to on Sunday morning or Saturday. You are the body of Christ. This is the Church. I understand your reservations about becoming part of a local ministry; but the key thing is to make sure you become a part of one that is truly about our Father's business. This may take some time; but worth it. How good it is when brothers dwell together in unity. Two are better than one; for when one falls the other is there to help him up. I am not suggesting that you need to become a part of the so-called church; but definitely unite with others who believe as you do. This could be a local ministry; but try the spirit by the Spirit. Do not forsake the assembling together of those who are His.

Vindicated ! !:lol:

It isn't often that I find a majority that feels the way I do, so thank all of you who replied with thoughtful, insightfull, and substantive comments to my concerns.

The pastor at our church has often said that Betty (my wife) and I are more faithful and work harder than many "members" of the church, but I am sure he is saying that as a form of thanks for our total and whole-hearted support in all aspects of the the church.

I tell him that thanks aren't needed, that I truly receive a blessing and am thankful for the church and its fellowship and unequivocal acceptance.

I honestly feel that the church is our spiritual home, and like most of you have stated, feel no real need to "sign on the dotted line", but I do think I will pursue my concerns with the same question to others in the church who are "members" and get their feed-back.

My primary concern is how I may best serve God, and I feel the church is meeting that need quite adequately.

depending on the degree of involvement that you're looking for. at our church, it means that you can be involved in the "business" of the church (voting on finances, programs, etc.) it also allows you to be able to serve on things like floral, hospitality, or program committees. you also have to be a member to be a youth leader or teach a Sunday School class. your fellow members usually offer support and help when good or bad things happen in your life. an invitation to join is always given at the end of services.

i've been involved with churches without being a member. for me, the fellowship with the people is what's so good. you're there to worship and praise God and be with people who want the same thing.

the church membership itself can make you feel "part of the family" or "just a little on the outside looking in". it depends on the church and on you.