Much has been written on the qualifications and responsibilities of pastors, missionaries, deacons and church leaders. In teaching on the areas of church leadership to a new mission church, the concept arose of doing a related study on the responsibilities of church members. Though there were books containing studies on some of these areas, my husband, Pastor Dennis McCain, found the best text book on the concept to be the Bible itself. He began a progressive reading of the New Testament epistles, from Romans to Jude, searching for evidences of these responsibilities. He found contained in these "teaching letters" to the New Testament church, ninety-five obligations and responsibilities for those within the church body. He also found five comprehensive characteristics of those that would seek to fulfill these ninety-five responsibilities. Of course, before any individual can hope to enact any of these characteristics and responsibilities, he must have the enabling that only the Holy Spirit can give. This enabling is made available to each one of us at the moment of our salvation, that point when we are born again and placed into the Body of Christ and subsequently given the honor and privilege of becoming a part of a local church body. While many of these concepts are those that even the world would like to emulate, such as the desirable qualities of love, truth, and sincerity, the full depth of the living out of these ideals can only be found in Christ.

A study of these ideals should offer to the reader several personal challenges: First, if these characteristics and ideals are not found in their lives, the question should arise, "Am I truly born again? Do I remember the moment when I, personally, was placed within the Body of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit at salvation?" If the answer to that question is one of doubt or concern, then we pray this book may serve to point that individual to full and complete redemption in Christ, by the realization that this primary relationship is lacking in their life. If the answer is in the affirmative, but the lack of power and victory in these areas is still a reality, then the second question must arise, "Am I living in obedience to my Savior?" Perhaps the soul searching aspect of this question will help to reveal some area or areas where the believer has failed in their Christian walk, whether it be sin, bitterness, lack of faith, or even failure to unite with a local church body where these responsibilities can be nurtured. Thirdly, the study may bring to light some responsibilities that the reader has never before considered for their own life. Then the prayer should be, "Lord, help me to implement these areas in my life for Your honor and Your glory." Fourthly, the full list of these responsibilities should be a challenge to consider our local church bodies. "Is my church working together to exercise these responsibilities one to another?" If some of these areas are severely lacking, the response should be one of prayer and openness to the Lord to be His servant within that body, helping to demonstrate and nurture the desired goals. Deep humility of spirit and submission of heart attitude will be required to enable the individual to be God’s instrument for growth in that situation. If your church is upholding these responsibilities, be in much prayer for God’s protection and sustaining power as the attacks of the enemy of our souls against such a glorious demonstration of God’s power will ever be a threat. There also may be times when a reader may realize that the church they are attending is not one that is based upon the clear teachings of the Word of God. In such a case, after deep consideration, the individual may need to consider investigating other churches in his home town where the fundamental truths of Scripture are being taught and the guidelines set forth in the Word are being implemented. Lastly, whether we are a new believer or long time in the faith, we each should be challenged to be strengthened in all of these characteristics and responsibilities. We should pray for God’s enablement to so live out these areas in our lives that truly Christ may be seen in us. The joy in our own lives and the fellowship within our local churches will grow and mature as we each set out to claim and actualize the demonstration of these God given obligations.

Our prayer is that, as you study, the glorious ideals and potentials that God gives us in His Word, the clarity of His design for the members of His church will shine forth. All ninety-five responsibilities are equally the obligation and challenge for every believer. They set, not only a goal for our lives, but a standard of actual practice to be maintained. The touchstones of victorious Christian living, of harmony and sweetness of fellowship, of peace and joy within each life are found in the degree to which we adhere to these concepts. All the power, privilege and knowledge to perform these ideals are given to us by the Holy Spirit that dwells within the heart of each believer. They are not unobtainable or available to only a select few. They are not consigned to the annals of those in leadership, or just to those who are in full time service. They are practical, obtainable realities for every believer who by faith will allow the Lord to cultivate them in their life. That which Christ perfected in holiness can be ours to savor in our own lives as with wondering eyes, we watch their cultivation by the Master Husbandman of our souls. May you be enlightened, encouraged, challenged and edified as you explore this journey through the Word of God that allows us to map out the design of God for His people.