Member

The member is the most important part of the Community of Christ. Let’s face it: without the members, we have no Community of Christ. The priesthood would have no one to serve and bless. So obviously the member is the most important part of our church.

The priesthood does not govern or rule the church. The priesthood of our church is not a hierarchy. Our church is governed by God. Our belief in modern revelation involves the guidance from God. The priesthood brings the direction and Christ-like ministry to the members as needed.

The purpose of our church is to proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. The member’s main role then, is to be involved in the general functions of the church as we live out that purpose. Members are called to attend all worship services, Mission Center conferences, prayer services, reunions, and all gatherings of the church they are able to attend.

It is not easy to be a member of this church. Being a member involves many responsibilities and duties. Members are called to give their common consent in all major decisions of the church. Every major decision of our church involves the consent from the members of the congregation for local matters, or at Mission Center conference for issues that affect multiple congregations, or from the delegates chosen by the membership to represent them at larger gatherings like our biennial World Conference.

Members are the ones who consider and approve the calling of priesthood members in their local congregations.  A person will never serve as a minister in this church they have the approval of the members, who believe God is calling them to serve.

Members of our church sometimes feel they are unimportant to the Community of Christ. I am guilty of this attitude as well. Many times I’ve thought I’m simply one of the faces in the crowd that fills the seats while the priesthood brings the ministry. I may have even wondered if this church cares about my presence at the gatherings we have. However, I now realize just how important the members of this church are.  Without any one person, the Community of Christ will suffer greatly, because each person has a unique set of gifts from God, that no one else He has been given. This gift will be used in the building of the kingdom of God on earth - which we call Zion.

God created me to be Daniel Robert Caudle, and no one on this earth can fulfill that role except for me. God may never call me to serve in his priesthood. It’s not my decision. However, in whatever role I hold in the Community of Christ, I will always feel the need to reach out with loving compassion towards ALL people I meet.

I will always serve this church and God’s children in all the ways I am able. That’s the purpose of the member.

Contributed by:  Daniel Caudle, Fairfield IL