Having a membership in a local church is the free choice of an individual believer. It cannot be forced upon him or her, nor can it be inherited from someone else. A Christian decides to join a local church for the purpose of being in fellowship with other believers, worshiping the triune God, learning the Word of God, receiving the Sacraments and participating in the mission of the Church.

Membership in an institution or organization comes with responsibilities and privileges — the responsibility to participate in the activities of the organization and the privilege to receive the benefits associated with being a member of that organization. A person cannot remain a member of an organization without participating in its activities or paying dues. Country clubs, auto clubs and alumni associations are just a few examples among thousands.

Referring to Christianity, John Wesley stated, "This fundamental branch of the religion of Jesus Christ cannot possibly subsist, without society, without our living and conversing with other [human beings] men." (Sermon on the Mount-Discourse 4, p.298, from the "Works of John Wesley") There is, therefore, no such thing as a solitary Christian. One needs a community of faith to grow spiritually. The apostle Paul wrote, "Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many." (1 Corinthians 12:14, NRSV).

It is paramount, therefore, for a Christian to be a member of a local church; however, there are some responsibilities inherent with being a member of a local church. When persons are received as members of a United Methodist congregation (unless they are prevented to do so by a physical or mental hindrance), they take the solemn vows "to be loyal to the United Methodist Church and do all in their power to strengthen its ministries; to faithfully participate in its ministries by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service." (1996 United Methodist Book of Discipline, ¶ 217.5-6).

A member of a local congregation in the United Methodist Church has to strive daily to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ. He or she also has the obligation to participate in worship services and in the celebration of the sacraments. In addition to his or her presence, this person has to contribute to the ministries of the congregation with his or her financial resources (tithes, offerings and other gifts), with the gifts that God has bestowed upon him or her.

When a person, for any reason other than incapacitation, does not participate faithfully in the life and ministries of the local church, he or she violates the covenant that he or she has entered into with God, the local church and the United Methodist Connection. Our faithfulness to the ministries of the local church is an expression of our faithfulness to God.

Membership in a local church is not a right, nor a legacy from our grandparents, parents or friends. It is a deliberate and free association that can be withdrawn, removed or terminated. When one remains a member of a congregation, one has to be faithful to that congregation.