What does it really mean to belong to a local church? Pastors Josh Wredberg and Matt Capps join us to talk about their new book "Every Member Matters," exploring why church membership is a joyful opportunity to grow, serve and join God’s mission together. They unpack how committed membership strengthens discipleship and fuels the church’s mission.


In this episode, Josh Wredberg, lead pastor of Redeemer Community Church in Fuquay-Varina, and Matt Capps, lead pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, join Brian Upshaw, director of N.C. Baptists’ Ministry Strategies group. Wredberg and Capps wrote a new book called “Every Member Matters: Why Your Church Needs You and Why You Need Your Church.” 

In this conversation, the pastors share a compelling vision for church membership as more than just names on a roll, but active participation. They present a vision of membership that centers on discipleship, community and living on mission together. They talk about the biblical pattern of membership, the joys and challenges of being part of a committed body of believers, and how strong membership can lead to powerful mission. 

For more episodes, visit ncbaptist.org/podcast. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or listen on the N.C. Baptist app.

To download this episode, click here.

Podcast highlights:

  • “It’s (membership) an opportunity to enjoy and experience all of the blessings of God mediated through your brothers and sisters in the faith.” (11:25)
  • “We have to formalize and make explicit what was understood in the early church. In the early church, you had to live in community with people. The community was where you found your identity. It’s how you flourished.” (12:20)
  • “You have a body of believers who are committed to one another, to live out the ‘one anothers’ — there’s over 40 of those in the New Testament. I don’t know how you can live those out unless you’re part of a committed body of believers.” (14:54)
  • “Membership is not for just what happens in the church. It’s what ultimately … produces powerful mission.” (30:09)
  • Learn more about “Every Member Matters” at everymembermatters.com. LifeWay offers a discounted bulk purchase option if you would like to utilize the resource in small groups, develop a sermon series or give the book as a gift in your membership class. 
  • Support church planting and gospel partnerships by giving to the North Carolina Missions Offering.
  • Join us at the N.C. Pastors’ Conference on Nov. 9-10 and the N.C. Baptist annual meeting on Nov. 10-11 in Greensboro for a time of worship, equipping, ministry reports and more. Be a part of praying over N.C. Baptist missionaries during a special Sending Celebration as we commission them to the nations.

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