Church Membership By Johnathan Leeman Book Review 

Jonathan Leeman has done a commendable job of expounding the sixth of the 9 Marks of a Healthy Church, first put forth by Mark Dever in his book by that name. This present title is one of the smaller volumes in the series being produced by 9Marks in an effort to assist pastors and church leaders in the reformation and revitalization of their churches. Membership matters is the succinct thesis of this book. Leeman proposes that most churches have been approaching the subject of church membership incorrectly for years by accepting members on profession of faith without examination of the candidate. He implies that many church problems can be avoided when greater care is exercised in who gets in. The church is the visible representation of Jesus Christ on earth and, therefore, its purity must be protected at all costs. How rare to hear that today! Using biblical material in story form, Leeman keeps it real but does so in a non-threatening manner. He points out the difference between joining a church, as one would join a social club, and submitting to a local body of believers and its leaders. 

            Johnathan makes a convincing case from scripture that formalized membership in a local fellowship is desirable. The key for me was his point about how local church leaders need to know for whom they are responsible, and for whom they can practice church discipline. So, while members retain the ability to change churches, there should nevertheless be clarity about the congregation to which they belong at any given time. He makes other points, but I found these to be the most helpful. This book is a thoughtful examination of what God says about the Church universal and the local church in His Word. Helpful analogies, but ultimately shows God’s instruction straight from the Biblical text.

            Becoming a member of a church is an important, and often neglected, part of the Christian life. Yet the trend these days is one of shunning the practice of organized religion and showing a distaste or fear of commitment, especially of institutions. Jonathan Leeman addresses these issues with a straightforward explanation of what church membership is and why it’s important. Giving the local church its proper due, Leeman has built a compelling case for committing to the local body. 

            This is an excellent, easy-to-read book that clearly points out the Biblical ‘Why?’ and ‘How?’ of Church Membership.

            If I had to pick three things this book was to me I would say practical, convicting and biblically faithful. Leeman reminds us that church membership is not a choice but a demand. I pray this book blesses you like it blessed me.