When a Christian begins to look for a new church home, it is beneficial to make several visits to the congregation they are considering. By talking further with the elders, preachers, and members, the prospective member can learn more about the characteristics and soundness of that local congregation (1 Tim. 4:16).

Before that congregation accepts an individual for membership, the elders want to talk with that individual to learn if a prospective member is a faithful Christian (1 Jn. 1:7). It is not enough simply to know that a person has obeyed the gospel sometime in the past. Occasionally, a person may be an excluded member, impenitent, and living in rebellion to God (2 Thes. 3:6-15). We would not knowingly receive into our fellowship someone who has been scripturally disfellowshipped by another congregation, unless such a one comes repenting, confessing sin, and desiring to make things right with the previous congregation. If needed, one can both be restored and place membership.

Some people may say they are members of a congregation which they have not attended in a number years. Some members may be "spiritual nomads" who continually go from one congregation to another and fail to accept personal responsibility in any local congregation. These "members-at-large" may be forever going from place to place and never become dedicated in the worship, contributions, and service of any specific church. It is scripturally for Christians to place membership with a congregation, as well as to be under the oversight of the elders (Heb. 13:7, 17). Although Christians may occasionally visit sister congregations to encourage them, it is still important to be identified with one congregation.

If you a visitor to the Lord's church here at LaVergne, we hope you will consider placing membership with us. Ask any necessary questions of us, and let the elders know if you would like to identify with our congregation. You can even indicate your desire on your visitor attendance card. Someone will be in touch with you.

Church responsibilities are reciprocal: members to church and church to members. In our caring fellowship here, we share mutually in our privileges in the Lord and in our obligations to each other. To identify and place membership with a local church is not only scriptural, but it just makes good sense. When this occurs, the elders are better able to oversee the church among them and the rest of the congregation can get to know new members more readily and extend their love and fellowship toward them.

You too can enjoy the benefits of being in God's spiritual family here at LaVergne! Please see one of our elders for assistance in placing your membership here at the LaVergne church of Christ.