Membership is the first ingredient of the Discipleship Pathway because it captures how one can become a disciple and belong to a community of disciples! 

To be a disciple of Jesus, a person must "repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:16). The "gospel" is two things: 1) It is unfavorable news that tells us that we are sinful and unable to have a relationship with God unless we are redeemed; and 2) It is the good news that Jesus has come to redeem a people as a conquering King, a forgiving Priest, and a merciful Prophet. He lived a perfect life so that he might conquer the power of sin and death (see 1 Corinthians 15:54-57). In his perfect life, he lived the life that we are required to live. On the cross Jesus became a substitute for all those who would "repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:16).  

When a person becomes a disciple, they become a member of Jesus' family. This family is made visible in the Church. We see a close tie from membership in Jesus' global family of believers to local manifestations of that family, and the need for healthy, meaningful church membership. 

Church membership is a commitment to love one another. To help one another grow in Christlikeness. To care for one another in both smooth and difficult seasons. To chase one another down when sin has deceived our hearts for a time. To love one another.

If you are interested and would like to find out more about church membership at Parkside, please see Pastor Steve Busch (steveb@parkside.org) to register for our Membership Class.