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Love Your Church: 8 Great Things about Being a Church Member
God calls us to be devoted to one another in love (Romans 12:10). What does this look like for us today? How can we be the kind of church member who makes a real difference?
This engaging book by Tony Merida explores what church is, why being part of it is exciting, and why it's worthy of our love and commitment. He sets out eight privileges and responsibilities of a church member: to belong, to welcome, to gather, to care, to serve, to honor, to witness and to send.
As we see how wonderful it is to belong to God's family and be a part of his amazing witness to both the earthly and the heavenly realms, we'll grow in our love for and commitment to our local church.
This is a great book for every churchgoer to read, whether they're new or have been attending for some time but need re-energizing with God's vision for the local church.
With discussion guides at the end of each chapter and video introductions, Love Your Church is also a great resource for small groups.
This engaging book by Tony Merida explores what church is, why being part of it is exciting, and why it's worthy of our love and commitment. He sets out eight privileges and responsibilities of a church member: to belong, to welcome, to gather, to care, to serve, to honor, to witness and to send.
As we see how wonderful it is to belong to God's family and be a part of his amazing witness to both the earthly and the heavenly realms, we'll grow in our love for and commitment to our local church.
This is a great book for every churchgoer to read, whether they're new or have been attending for some time but need re-energizing with God's vision for the local church.
With discussion guides at the end of each chapter and video introductions, Love Your Church is also a great resource for small groups.
176 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
125 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Tony Merida
58 books34 followersTony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC. Tony is the author of Faithful Preaching, co-author of Orphanology, and serves as a general editor and as contributor to the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series (B&H Publishing Group) along with David Platt and Danny Akin. He is married to Kimberly, with whom he has five adopted children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 6, 2021
Finished this book in three days because it was that good! Our faith is personal, but it isn’t private. It is extremely tempting to give into the “It’s just me and Jesus” mindset, leaving us in isolation. Many times we do this because we do not want to be confronted with our sin. Many times we stay away from the local church because we’ve been hurt. I’ve been there! For those of you who are hurt by the church, I pray the Lord will provide healing. The church is made up of broken people that God has made alive in Christ. So sometimes it will be messy, but it will be worth it.
I don’t know about you, but the pandemic made me thirsty to gather with the church again. After missing months of church, I felt a little dry because I missed gathering to hear the Word of the Lord preached. I missed worshipping the Lord with other believers. It’s great that we had online church for the weeks we couldn’t gather, but it’s not the same. (This also applies to being a member of a church “online.” Big no.) The local church is vital to your walk as a Christian. You cannot grow alone. In this book, you’ll learn about what the church is, why it’s a joy to be a part of, and why it’s worth joining. You’ll walk away with a renewed joy and heart for the local church. There are action steps at the end of each chapter + a discussion guide at the end of the book. Would be great to do in small groups. If you are a Christian, you need to read this book!
I don’t know about you, but the pandemic made me thirsty to gather with the church again. After missing months of church, I felt a little dry because I missed gathering to hear the Word of the Lord preached. I missed worshipping the Lord with other believers. It’s great that we had online church for the weeks we couldn’t gather, but it’s not the same. (This also applies to being a member of a church “online.” Big no.) The local church is vital to your walk as a Christian. You cannot grow alone. In this book, you’ll learn about what the church is, why it’s a joy to be a part of, and why it’s worth joining. You’ll walk away with a renewed joy and heart for the local church. There are action steps at the end of each chapter + a discussion guide at the end of the book. Would be great to do in small groups. If you are a Christian, you need to read this book!
January 3, 2023
I don’t use this word often, but I think that now is the appropriate time to use it; this book is outstanding.
Tony Merida, who is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors, covers a huge amount in a relatively short book. Merida approaches the topic of church membership as it should be approached, in a highly accessible, readable and witty style which any church member can read and understand. Merida doesn’t guilt-trip people in this book, instead he takes a more encouraging approach which allows the reader to delight in the joy of serving as a church member.
In an age when the local church might appear to be one of the most uncool things ever, it’s vital that we refocus our eyes on the power and significance of God’s church. This book has reassured my conviction that the local church is God’s primary way of bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth.
I first became a church member 9 years ago, and this book has brought me back to the profound joy and the wonderful responsibility of being a church member. Every Christian must read this book.
Tony Merida, who is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors, covers a huge amount in a relatively short book. Merida approaches the topic of church membership as it should be approached, in a highly accessible, readable and witty style which any church member can read and understand. Merida doesn’t guilt-trip people in this book, instead he takes a more encouraging approach which allows the reader to delight in the joy of serving as a church member.
In an age when the local church might appear to be one of the most uncool things ever, it’s vital that we refocus our eyes on the power and significance of God’s church. This book has reassured my conviction that the local church is God’s primary way of bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth.
I first became a church member 9 years ago, and this book has brought me back to the profound joy and the wonderful responsibility of being a church member. Every Christian must read this book.
February 1, 2024
An easy and practical read on loving the church. A book that doesn’t just want to improve your head knowledge of theology about the church but really makes an effort to help in the reader applying it too
November 20, 2021
This is a great book for people to think through how to thrive as a church member. Lots of great Bible teachings, illustrations, John Stott quotes and stories, and application. The evangelism chapter is gold.
May 1, 2023
I would recommend this to every church member. How important it is to attend our church regularly, to build community and belonging, to serve each other, to be missional, to BE the church.
This book is wise and practical and it reminds you of the joy, privilege and responsibility you have in being the church.
We read this as a community group and had really refreshing conversation challenging and encouraging one another.
If you haven’t read it, you must!
This book is wise and practical and it reminds you of the joy, privilege and responsibility you have in being the church.
We read this as a community group and had really refreshing conversation challenging and encouraging one another.
If you haven’t read it, you must!
April 9, 2022
This is one of those books that was helpful in many places, but misleading or clearly wrong many others.
I'll start with the bad: 1. The forward: right out of the gate this zinger from Ray Ortlund raised a major red flag "We have enough theoretical Christianity already, don't we? What we need more of is real Christianity that makes a real difference." Excuse me? Are you implying that thinking rightly about the word of God is not 'real' Christianity? Why do you pit 'thinking' and 'doing' as if they are mutually exclusive ideas? In the Bible it's always a both/and and I think you could argue an emphasis on thinking which transforms our doing. 2. Hints of social justice throughout the book: chapter 2 and 8 especially. It was never stated clearly but Merida really dips his toes in the water to see how close he can get without falling into the "woke pool." He mentions that one of the goals of the church is to "pursue diversity" which I would completely disagree with because it's an unsubstantiated claim in scripture. The church IS diverse, every nation, tribe and tongue! But, that is wholly different than saying the church must "pursue diversity." He also reprimands a congregation for not thinking diverse enough. All of this makes sense when he mentions as a side note in one of the chapters about his friendship with Thabiti, who has really gone off the deep end with so called "social justice." 3. Interpreting Acts as a normative book instead of reading it as historical narrative. The whole last chapter interprets Acts as if it's normative. This leads to some pretty poor conclusions that are very misleading.
The good: 1. Clear focus on and articulation of the gospel. Although I am being critical above, I will say I appreciate Christ-centered focus of the book. 2. I appreciated his stance on witnessing and exhortation in this chapter.
I liked this quote "exhausted Christians need to be reminded of the inexhaustible riches of Christ, and they need to be reminded of how significant their labors in his church are."
Overall, you can find better books on the church. I would not give this one to a new believer, but it's one that more mature Christians can read and chew the meat and spit out the bones.
I was actually very surprised that Alistair Begg endorsed this book.
I'll start with the bad: 1. The forward: right out of the gate this zinger from Ray Ortlund raised a major red flag "We have enough theoretical Christianity already, don't we? What we need more of is real Christianity that makes a real difference." Excuse me? Are you implying that thinking rightly about the word of God is not 'real' Christianity? Why do you pit 'thinking' and 'doing' as if they are mutually exclusive ideas? In the Bible it's always a both/and and I think you could argue an emphasis on thinking which transforms our doing. 2. Hints of social justice throughout the book: chapter 2 and 8 especially. It was never stated clearly but Merida really dips his toes in the water to see how close he can get without falling into the "woke pool." He mentions that one of the goals of the church is to "pursue diversity" which I would completely disagree with because it's an unsubstantiated claim in scripture. The church IS diverse, every nation, tribe and tongue! But, that is wholly different than saying the church must "pursue diversity." He also reprimands a congregation for not thinking diverse enough. All of this makes sense when he mentions as a side note in one of the chapters about his friendship with Thabiti, who has really gone off the deep end with so called "social justice." 3. Interpreting Acts as a normative book instead of reading it as historical narrative. The whole last chapter interprets Acts as if it's normative. This leads to some pretty poor conclusions that are very misleading.
The good: 1. Clear focus on and articulation of the gospel. Although I am being critical above, I will say I appreciate Christ-centered focus of the book. 2. I appreciated his stance on witnessing and exhortation in this chapter.
I liked this quote "exhausted Christians need to be reminded of the inexhaustible riches of Christ, and they need to be reminded of how significant their labors in his church are."
Overall, you can find better books on the church. I would not give this one to a new believer, but it's one that more mature Christians can read and chew the meat and spit out the bones.
I was actually very surprised that Alistair Begg endorsed this book.
August 24, 2021
Short, strong book on the beauty and responsibility of being a church member.
December 19, 2023
Great for basics about the church if you are new to Christianity.
December 9, 2025
Challenged my perspective of hospitality and serving especially. Couple of sections I could have done without but overall an encouragement of how I can better love the church.
March 13, 2025
Plain and practical yet rich and inspiring. I savored this one and am starting it again immediately.
April 29, 2025
Not bad but a bit flat - could have been more encouraging, could have had fewer unrelatable American references
April 7, 2024
Really liked this actually. Very helpful, very challenging. Glad I read (despite it having sat on my shelf for 2 years after having won it as a prize lol). My thoughts about it have been whirring around my head for the past 2 days lol.
Thought the parts about using your personality to bear witness to others very interesting - hadn’t really heard/seen it put like that before. Quoted David Garland on ‘seasoned with salt’… “Godliness is not to be equated with stodginess. Flat formulas or lifeless platitudes no not capture the gospel’s excitement. It must be made palatable with a savoury combination of charm and wit’.
Oh - the last chapter about church planting/missionary work, excellent. Makes you want to just pack your bags and go.
Great wee book - worth a read.
Thought the parts about using your personality to bear witness to others very interesting - hadn’t really heard/seen it put like that before. Quoted David Garland on ‘seasoned with salt’… “Godliness is not to be equated with stodginess. Flat formulas or lifeless platitudes no not capture the gospel’s excitement. It must be made palatable with a savoury combination of charm and wit’.
Oh - the last chapter about church planting/missionary work, excellent. Makes you want to just pack your bags and go.
Great wee book - worth a read.
November 26, 2021
An excellent intro to what makes church special and why committing to a church family is such a blessing and key to spiritual growth. The study guide questions focus on key bible passages that anchor each chapter and make for an excellent small group study series.
February 4, 2023
Excellent book any church member should read. Chapters in serving and evangelism stood out.
March 25, 2022
I have laid this book aside, walked away from it and have slept overnight before writing a review so I didn’t allow emotions to get into the way of my review on this book. But how this book received so many high reviews is beyond me and that’s coming from someone who gives out 5 stars regularly. This book is extremely superficial and void of any substance. It seemed as if it was hurried and rushed to get the book out to print as soon as Covid slowed down in time for people to go back to church instead of spending time on content. It is full of Tim Keller quotes and odd stories that are just that, odd. The red flags started immediately while reading this book. Merida talks about diversity on his “Welcoming” the church chapter. To make his point that a church he used to pastorate in New Orleans was racist, (because the majority of them were white as he pointed out), he says that he tells the church that he wants their ministry to build and grow, to which he gets applause and “Amens”. Merida then tells his mostly white member church that he wants the church growth to come from 75% non-white people. As Merida tells the story, his congregation “squirmed, and others snarled” (pg. 37). Really? This proves they’re racist? You just excluded 3/4 of your “white” congregation from it’s own growth! Not only is this embarrassing but it’s unbiblical. Someone needs to tell Merida that we are teaching the Word of Jesus to the Jew and to the Gentile now. One of the fruits of a false prophet is division so Merida needs to be careful how he speaks about his church members, especially as a pastor. But he doesn’t stop there. He tells this story on pg. 38, “One of my friends visited shortly after that Sunday and had the opportunity to greet a few people in our church. The members didn’t know that this was a friend of mine, and one older gentleman told my friend, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to kill him first or if he’s going to kill us first.’” What?? Now at this point, I should have set the book down because this does not sound like a man that I want to get “Love Your Church” advice from. So it was my fault that I kept reading and kept trying to give this book a chance. Merida also talks about his credobapist view which is neither here or there because I wouldn’t attend his church to begin with. The importance that Merida puts on works is alarming for a pastor. On page 93, he gives us three motivations to do service for your church. Number 3 is “the Son’s Return”. I knew where this was going but like people who stop to watch the aftermath of a car crash, I kept reading. Sure enough, Merida’s motivating factor is to hurry and serve your church before Jesus comes, so that when Jesus sees you on judgement day, He will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant”. I don’t think I need to explain to any Christian that is NOT how that works. Not by works but by GRACE (which is something Merida never mentions but maybe one time in his whole book). I actually wanted to point out some positive aspects of this book but obviously the negative outweighs the positive unfortunately. Do yourself a favor, and spend a couple hours playing with your children or grandchildren and give this book a hard pass.
December 15, 2024
Easily one of the few books that will go on my re-readable shelf! Absolutely wonderful! Filled with beautiful reminders and timely challenges. I’m so grateful that much of this book honestly describes my home church. This isn’t a lofty theology of ecclesiology nor is it a sappy, emotional plea. It is full of healthy and heartfelt reminders that we are one body made up of many parts, that we are all to attend, worship, commune, be in relationship, give, serve, and love because that’s the model that we are given in scripture, not one of attendance just for the sake of it and letting 10% of the people do 90% of the work.
It is also a challenge to be sent, to share the gospel with the people in our lives through genuine relationships, not a quick, decisional, “dine-n-dash” approach.
This book is written with a beautiful heart for Jesus, for His church, His people, and His renown. I highly recommend it!
It is also a challenge to be sent, to share the gospel with the people in our lives through genuine relationships, not a quick, decisional, “dine-n-dash” approach.
This book is written with a beautiful heart for Jesus, for His church, His people, and His renown. I highly recommend it!
November 2, 2024
I picked this book up and put it down, so I decided to start from the beginning and read it all the way through today. It was edifying in many ways. It challenged me and provoked thoughts regarding how I can be a better church member. I debated whether to give it 3 or 4 stars, however. Let’s call it 3.5. It suffers from being written on the heels of several cultural events in the US; namely the pandemic and racial tensions at the time. I don’t disagree with the content of the book, but I do disagree with the redundancy of certain aspects such as diversity in the church. The local church is only as diverse as the community it exists in.
Overall a good book.
Overall a good book.
November 3, 2022
Good book! I was turned on to this book by the Preaching and Preachers podcast. And since I was going to be teaching on the family of God and why church matters I thought it would be a good book to read. Sadly I didn’t get to read it before my sermon, which is a shame because it is so good. Accessible for lay church-goers but also a good refresher for pastors too. The chapter on evangelism was especially good! I really enjoyed this quick read! Recommended
April 1, 2024
An easily readable, accessible book that reminds us of what church is, what it is for and our part in it. Great as a personal read while also having sections that could be used in small groups. It would be good to delve into the theme of each chapter even more fully but this book does what it set out to do. It’s not an exhaustive text but an inspiring, challenging and encouraging book that reminds us of the blessing of church and our role in it.
August 28, 2024
Great, short book (read it in an afternoon) on the privileges of being a part of a church community!
Love brother Tony who was a pastor of mine for 7 years at Imago Dei. Being a part of a local church that valued and faithfully (though imperfectly, of course) carried out these 8 things deeply affected my family and gave us a greater love for the Lord and for His church.
Will be recommending this to the congregation of whom I have the privilege of serving as an under-shepherd!
Love brother Tony who was a pastor of mine for 7 years at Imago Dei. Being a part of a local church that valued and faithfully (though imperfectly, of course) carried out these 8 things deeply affected my family and gave us a greater love for the Lord and for His church.
Will be recommending this to the congregation of whom I have the privilege of serving as an under-shepherd!
February 9, 2023
A really easy read and introduction to the basic privileges and responsibilities of being a member of the church of Jesus Christ. Good to do with others. The Bible studies at the back were a bit hit and miss but the contents of the chapters were gospel-driven and heart-warming for service. Recommended.
May 9, 2022
I read this book as part of curriculum that my church and small group are going through and I loved it. I think it's the best intro to being a church member that I've read. Really short and accessible.
February 4, 2022
Excellent easy to read, hard to put down practical summary of all the key teaching on the Church. Highly recommended for all believers.
April 22, 2022
Amazing. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for relevant "Action Steps" to apply as we live out the gospel in the context of our local churches. Definitely a book I'll be coming back to!
June 12, 2025
This was a good book for any church member, whether you’ve just joined or been going for years. It’s one I may need to buy the hard copy of and read again.
June 24, 2025
This book will reinvigorate your love for your church!
December 30, 2025
Fundamental points that I don't remember seeing churches care to bring to light. We discussed very important issues about the role of members within a church, with an excellent biblical foundation, and practical steps to put into action.
June 7, 2021
Has COVID left you in a season of not caring about the church? In Love Your Church, Tony Merida explains eight great things about being a church member.
Responsibilities and Privileges
This book was written for the ordinary Christian. In less than 200 pages, Merida shows eight responsibilities and privileges about church membership. Right at the start, Merida states that COVID-19 was challenging because it changed how we experience the blessing of community. The church is the gathering and assembly of the new-covenant people of God. Membership and belonging should be a priority.
Singing is given attention in Chapter 3, and it is an important aspect of our corporate gatherings. Merida pointedly states that a healthy church is a singing church, and singing is a great way to stir our hearts to worship as well as express our solidarity in the faith. This explains what is missing in online worship, and serves as a warning for those who think that singing is just a Sunday superficiality.
Practical Applications
What I appreciated most about this book were the practical applications included at the end of each chapter. While my church is strong in the area of service, I would say we are weak when it comes to being welcoming. Merida asks us to search our hearts for pride and prejudice, be on the lookout for those who are by themselves, and consider volunteering for ministries that extend hospitality.
Interestingly, Merida shows how our personal lives directly impact our relational lives -- especially when it comes to holiness. I was challenged to take my purity seriously, seek to eliminate my sin, and look for opportunities to do good to others.
The Bride of Christ
The book ends with chapters on witness and mission. Merida presents five categories of networks that we can seek to evangelize: (1) familial, (2) geographical, (3) vocational, (4) recreational, (5) commercial. And when it comes to missions, Merida states that sending and being sent is a worthy sacrifice -- and we should make it joyfully.
This book will help you be a church member who makes a real difference. As my church begins to reopen, I am reinvigorated with a passion to pursue true community and experience the blessings of being a part of the Bride of Christ.
I received a media copy of Love Your Church and this is my honest review.
Responsibilities and Privileges
This book was written for the ordinary Christian. In less than 200 pages, Merida shows eight responsibilities and privileges about church membership. Right at the start, Merida states that COVID-19 was challenging because it changed how we experience the blessing of community. The church is the gathering and assembly of the new-covenant people of God. Membership and belonging should be a priority.
Singing is given attention in Chapter 3, and it is an important aspect of our corporate gatherings. Merida pointedly states that a healthy church is a singing church, and singing is a great way to stir our hearts to worship as well as express our solidarity in the faith. This explains what is missing in online worship, and serves as a warning for those who think that singing is just a Sunday superficiality.
Practical Applications
What I appreciated most about this book were the practical applications included at the end of each chapter. While my church is strong in the area of service, I would say we are weak when it comes to being welcoming. Merida asks us to search our hearts for pride and prejudice, be on the lookout for those who are by themselves, and consider volunteering for ministries that extend hospitality.
Interestingly, Merida shows how our personal lives directly impact our relational lives -- especially when it comes to holiness. I was challenged to take my purity seriously, seek to eliminate my sin, and look for opportunities to do good to others.
The Bride of Christ
The book ends with chapters on witness and mission. Merida presents five categories of networks that we can seek to evangelize: (1) familial, (2) geographical, (3) vocational, (4) recreational, (5) commercial. And when it comes to missions, Merida states that sending and being sent is a worthy sacrifice -- and we should make it joyfully.
This book will help you be a church member who makes a real difference. As my church begins to reopen, I am reinvigorated with a passion to pursue true community and experience the blessings of being a part of the Bride of Christ.
I received a media copy of Love Your Church and this is my honest review.
January 10, 2022
Helpful overview of 8 positives of being a church member, designed to make us appreciate and love our churches more. Particularly appreciated the first couple of chapters on belonging and welcoming.
July 29, 2021
READ THIS BOOK and give it to your church members to read too. This is so so great for a more unified, Gospel centered church. Merida doesn’t make any profound new discoveries, he just reminds us what it means to love our role as Christ’s bride through the Great Commandment and Great Commission.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews