Which congregation should I have my membership at?
Question:
Hello Jeffrey,
Thank you for your excellent work on the La Vista Church of Christ website. Over the years, I have learned very much from your sermons and the question-and-answer section posed there.
I am writing because an elder asked me to choose to be a member of the congregation that meets where is an elder or the one where I currently have my membership. I live about 30 miles from the location of my membership. I am elderly and do not like to drive at night. So, I attend Sunday morning services at my membership congregation. On Sunday night and Wednesday night, I attend the other one. This is not unusual.
The issue is that I participate in some of the activities at the visiting congregation. Just recently, I have begun to lead the devotional at the monthly ladies’ day meeting. This evening I asked if I could sign up for a new group that would visit their members once a month.
I am a widow and cherish all my brothers and sister in Christ. I happen to live about five minutes from the other congregation. I work where there is an opportunity that I can fulfill. Both congregations constantly admonish us to be family. Does being a family stop at the church door?
Thank you for your thoughts on this matter.
Answer:
It appears you are trying to be a member of two different congregations simultaneously. I assume both congregations are equally faithful to the Lord since you are attending both. Whether one congregation has elders or not doesn't make a difference in regard to your question.
All Christians are a part of the family of God (I Timothy 3:15). This relationship is universal to all Christians and is not limited to a local congregation.
Since you are having difficulty driving at night, it makes more sense to be a member of the congregation closer to your house. Visit your brethren at the other congregation as often as you can, but be involved in your local congregation.
Response:
Thank you very much.