Forget your Members Only jacket. At Vintage21, a church in Raleigh, North Carolina, it's Owners Only. The church is eliminating the concept of membership entirely in favor of what they believe is a more appropriate description for the body of Christ: ownership.I love this idea! From Vintage21 Church's website we read further:
A member of an organization uses the facilities, gains from its services, takes a shower, and heads about their business. An owner makes the organization happen. Jesus wants His followers to make the church happen--go out and love people, nurture each other, and serve with your whole life. Ownership is a higher calling than membership. If you are a follower of Christ, then you are a co-owner of His church.This is a powerful metaphor. Our church leadership needs to think through this concept and see if it is a good idea for us. The best part of this metaphor: owners make the organization happen! This is how the church should function.
So what do you think about church membership versus church ownership?
