For centuries churches have kept track of their congregants through the status of being a member. There are membership rolls and statistics about the type of members that are on those rolls — baptized, confirmed, adult, new, visitor, contributing, etc. Sometimes there are extra benefits that come if you reach the status of a member. You get to be a voting part of the congregation at meetings; you are part of those that affirm the changes that may be a part of the church; you have a say in the finances and budgeting of the church. The list can go on for membership status. Membership is often seen as having benefits and privileges.  

We like to think of membership more as ownership here at Bethel. Being a member is more like ownership in that it is about investment and responsibility. The idea is that asking people to be owners of the ministry sets the expectation that this is not an organization in which they come and get services or benefits. Instead, it is a place - a mission - in which they are fully committed and invested to make happen. This shift changes the perception of what the church is about and what role people have in being a part of Bethel church. It shouldn’t be a place to get served, but a place to serve and live out our faith, together.