The church should not comprise of believers only. 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 is clear that non-believers should not be turned away from the church. They should be welcomed and allowed to stay because some signs among believers, such as speaking in tongues in verse 23, are meant to be a sign to those that do not believe 1 . I believe that allowing them in the church offers them an opportunity to encounter Christ and become believers. Furthermore, the word church does not mean a building, but it refers to people. However, although non-believers are allowed in a church building, the church should not change from preaching and teaching the truth because of the presence of those who do not believe. Even the Bible appears clear when it instructs Christians to avoid being “unequally yoked” with those who do not believe, particularly in Ministry. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says “Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” 2 From my perspective, it appears that having unbelievers assist in Church activities might contradict with the goal of encouraging them to become followers of Christ. For instance, it would appear that unbelievers who aid with offering should be regarded as church members. In fact, such people might think that being associated with a church and taking part in the ministry makes them acceptable in the eyes of God. However, making unbelievers to participate in ministry in the church might contradict evangelism. In addition, non-believers should not be allowed to serve in the church because how can they serve a God who they don’t believe in? They can only attend church services without being allocated church duties and responsibilities.
I believe that all believers should be baptized, but it should not be a requirement for formal church membership. Baptism is meant for believers only, and although it is not a requirement for salvation, it is an essential step that demonstrates obedience to Christ Jesus 3 . Baptism is a public/outward proclamation of the inner conversion and the new man in Christ Jesus. Therefore, it is not a prerequisite for a believer to be baptized to be considered a church member. For a person to be accorded formal church membership, salvation should be the only prerequisite. Romans 10:9 states, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 4 ” Therefore, this should be the only requirement for church membership for believers. However, non-believers ought not to be admitted to formal church membership.
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Also, in the same manner that children usually affiliate themselves with certain film characters by adopting their dress, mannerisms, and speech patterns, I feel that believers should follow in Jesus’ example. Jesus requires believers to follow His example on all their actions, including baptism. Matthew 28:19 states "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." When Jesus started His ministry to the public, He started by being baptized when John the Baptist required the Jews to demonstrate repentance by being baptized in the Jordan River. Jesus, who had not sinned, joined the Jewish people, and became baptized since God associated Him with the sinful man. Thus, I believe that when people emulate Jesus by being baptized, they confess their faith in Jesus publicly when they identify themselves with Him. Baptism permits individuals to connect with Jesus and other believers. However, Ephesians 2:8-9 asserts, “faith in Jesus Christ is the only requirement for salvation, not baptism.” 5 Those who become baptized reaffirm their decision to accept Jesus in their lives.
Bibliography
Hammett, John S. Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology . Kregel Academic, 2019.
New International Version. NIV Bible - Words of Christ in Red . London: Hachette UK, 2012
1 New International Version. NIV Bible - Words of Christ in Red . London: Hachette UK, 2012
2 New International Version. NIV Bible - Words of Christ in Red . London: Hachette UK, 2012
3 Hammett, John S. Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology . Kregel Academic, 2019.
4 New International Version. NIV Bible - Words of Christ in Red . London: Hachette UK, 2012
5 New International Version. NIV Bible - Words of Christ in Red . London: Hachette UK, 2012
