Eight Myths of Church Membership

How do myths affect the local church? Present expectations confine us, and myths will keep any church in a rut. We need to be aware of the myths churches face today:

Myth One: The church is a volunteer organization.

Myth Two: We should use guilt to enlist people.

Myth Three: Membership cannot have expectations placed on it.

Myth Four: Discipleship and evangelism are two separate things.

Myth Five: It is impossible to get people to serve today.

Myth Six: Programs outweigh purpose.

Myth Seven: The "80-20 Rule"

Myth Eight: Belonging to a local church is irrelevant.

When we allow myths such as these to become reality in our congregations, we limit our impact for Christ. Myths rob our churches and members of being all that Christ intends them to be.

Be sure to read the complete article by John S. Powers, senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Norfolk, Va., and author of "The BodyLife Journey: Guiding Believers into Ministry."