Is requiring new members to sign a church covenant a biblically-correct practice? Even if most of the requirements in the "covenant" are biblical, should a Christian agree to sign one?
Regarding membership, the Bible does not specify a “membership” process for a Christian to join or participate in a local congregation except water baptism.
Nevertheless, the Bible does expect Christians to establish a relationship with a local body and submit to the leadership in that body. The book of Hebrews implies that believers should actively participate in a gathering on a regular basis:
Heb. 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Heb. 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
So regular participation in a body of believers is a biblical expectation. Furthermore, believers are called by scripture to submit to the leaders of their church body:
Heb. 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
Therefore, on the basis of this command, we can say that if church leaders decide to place certain expectations on the church body for the benefit of their spiritual health (i.e., requiring regular attendance on Sundays, participation in home groups, etc.), then the body should submit to those in authority. Such rules only become legalism if the leaders teach that the rules are God’s requirements, not merely man-made expectations.
On the other hand, your pastor’s comments connecting “being Christian” with attending church are very concerning. To equate attending church with being a Christian would seem to suggest a human work is required to be saved, which the Bible clearly refutes. No human work – not even attending church – is required to be saved.
Furthermore, we know it is possible for even true Christians to stop attending church precisely because the book of Hebrews warns of that very thing! In Hebrews 10 we read:
Heb. 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Heb. 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Notice the writer says some in the body have fallen into the habit of "forsaking the gathering.” The writer is acknowledging that believers can become lazy and disobedient so that they stop seeking for fellowship among other believers. Clearly, these believers are no less saved, though they are acting in a disobedient manner.
Consequently, we suggest you seek to clarify your pastor’s comments in a respectful manner. If you should determine that he believes attending church is a conclusive litmus test for true faith, then we would recommend you consider seeking fellowship elsewhere, since such views are unbiblical and potentially harmful to your spiritual growth in the faith.
In summary, every believer should be participating regularly in a church congregation, and if the leaders of that congregation place certain requirements on that participation, we should submit to their authority. Only in cases where these requirements contradict scripture or offend out conscience should we raise objections.
Meanwhile, no human work – not even participating in a church – is necessary for salvation. Faith alone in Jesus Christ saves us, and unfortunately, some who have this understanding may yet forsake gathering together with other believers.
You may find it helpful to listen to our Hebrews study on our website.
