Discipleship Vs. Membership Mentality
In Reverend Charles Lane’s book, Ask, Thank, Tell, he describes the difference between discipleship and membership mentality. “In the church [ELCA] I served as pastor for almost thirty years, I am convinced that, for most people, the primary relationship is with the congregation rather than with Jesus Christ. Most of us are far more inclined to talk about the activities of our congregation than we are to talk about how Jesus is active in our lives.”
Membership mentality, he says, emphasizes giving money for others to do ministry, maintaining the institution, and expecting to contribute to the communities greater good.
Underlying assumptions from this mentality are 1) The mission field is elsewhere, 2) the goal of the congregation is to get and keep members, and 3) the congregation has low expectations of members.
Contrasting sharply to membership mentality is discipleship mentality, according to Lane. “The primary relationship is not to the congregation, but to Jesus. The congregation is not the end goal but a means to an end. In discipleship mentality, disciples do not expect ministry to be done by other people, giving of time, talent, and treasure is part of a growing relationship with Jesus, and disciples live life in community where the larger community is seen as the congregation.
Assumptions inherent in a life of discipleship include 1) the mission field starts at the front door of the church building, the goal is to make disciples (membership isn’t bad, it’s just not enough), and there are high expectations of disciples.
A disciple is a student of Jesus who desires to imitate his lifestyle. The title Christian was given to those who followed Jesus (disciples). Today, there are many self-proclaimed Christians who align more closely with worldly figures and agendas than with Jesus.
In conclusion, membership isn’t bad, but one can be a member without being a disciple. I would invite you to do a personal reflection, just as I am, to recognize where discipleship can be strengthened in my life. It should be the basis for who we are and what we do. May we strive to imitate Christ as the Scriptures teach and introduce people to Jesus.
Peace,
Pastor Randy