Podcast S15E08: Duties of Church Membership (ii)

In 1954, the Church Assembly (the forerunner to General Synod) asked the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to write this short guide to the duties of church membership.

It is a simple list which could be given to every person in church, indicating what is expected of them as disciples of Christ and members of the congregation. Presumably in 1954, there were already concerns that not everyone who attended church understood these. It is certainly the case today that newcomers to church have no idea about many of them.

In this week's episode of the podcast, Tony Cannon and Martin Lane discuss the final three items on the list: financial giving, upholding marriage and bringing children up in the Lord, asking what benefit they would bring to individuals and congregations if we were all more faithful in doing them. Forthcoming episodes will cover the other items on the list.

A Short Guide to the Duties of Church Membership

All baptized and confirmed members of the Church must play their full part in its life and witness. That you may fulfil this duty we call upon you:

• To follow the example of Christ in home and daily life, and to bear personal witness to Him.
• To be regular in private prayer day by day.
• To read the Bible carefully.
• To come to Church every Sunday.
• To receive the Holy Communion faithfully and regularly.
• To give personal service to Church, neighbours, and community.
• To give money for the work of parish and diocese and for the work of the Church at home and overseas.
• To uphold the standard of marriage entrusted by Christ to His Church.
• To care that children are brought up to love and serve the Lord.