Every Member Matters - by Josh Wredberg & Matthew Z Capps (Paperback)

About the Book

Many books on the market explain what church membership is, but Every Member Matters focuses on what church members should do. Every Member Matters is a small, accessible book that lays out seven important roles that every member plays in the mission of any local church.

Book Synopsis

Why do so many churches neglect to practice meaningful membership? Why don't modern Christians see the importance of membership in a local church? ​Every Member Matters is a small and accessible book that lays out the important role that every member plays in the mission of the local church. This book is written by two pastors leading in different contexts in the same community, one a church planter and the other a pastor of an established church.

Many of us have memberships in big-box retail stores, alumni associations, and online shopping services, memberships that only impact a small slice of life. Those memberships demand nothing more than a small financial commitment and occasional attendance at an event. Unfortunately, that's how many people view membership in the local church.

What if we told you that the Bible not only expects you to be a member of a church - but also expects certain things from you as a member of that church? In fact, every member is called to be a worshipper, minister, servant, disciple-maker, giver, intercessor, and ambassador.

In Every Member Matters, you will be encouraged to embrace the awesome privilege of joining a local church and using your gifts to minister and serve His people! The church is God's plan to reach the world, and there is no greater way to spend your life than in the service of Jesus' mission. In the body of Christ, Every Member Matters.

Review Quotes

"This is a tremendously accessible, helpful, and encouraging book. We Christians know that the church exists for God's glory, our good, and the good of others. The scattered church is God's plan for reaching people for Christ. For this reason, every member truly does matter. I pray this book will find wide use to encourage Christians to join a church and participate in the life of the church, and in doing so, join God on His mission in the world."
-- Ed Stetzer, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University

"The church is not an optional add-on, but an essential element of the Christian life. This book casts an inspiring vision for church membership -- with insight grounded in the Scriptures, and timely application for a world of 'Do It Yourself' spirituality."
-- Trevin Wax, Ph.D.
Vice president of resources and marketing at the North American Mission Board
Visiting professor, Cedarville University
Author of The Gospel Way Catechism and The Thrill of Orthodoxy

"Matt and Josh are great pastors who exemplify love for their people. I learn much from them and am always encouraged, and this book is no exception. This is an exceptional, practical book that shows why church is not an event to attend but a family to belong to and shows how the best parts of the body of Christ come not when we sit in an audience but when we make our home in the church."
-- J.D. Greear, Ph.D.
Pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, NC

"This is one of the finest books I have ever read on the importance and responsibilities of church membership. It raises the bar for all who call Jesus Lord. I believe it ought to be in the hands of every pastor. It is biblically faithful, theologically rich, and practically convicting. Well done my brothers!"
-- Daniel Akin, Ph.D.
President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Each week, visitors come to our churches, hesitant to join because they don't understand the purpose and privileges of membership. My friends Josh and Matt lay out Christ's expectations for his people in the context of the local church, which is the vehicle for us to fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandments. For years, I've preached that Christianity isn't a solo journey--now I have a resource that shows how we live and flourish together as God's family, the pillar and foundation of gospel truth."
-- Dwayne Milioni, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor, Open Door Church
Professor, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Co-founder, Pillar Network

"Our job as a church is to turn members into ministers and decisions into disciples. This practical book covers the bases on how to do it effectively. Thanks Matt Capps and Josh Wredberg for this investment in the local body of believers everywhere!"
-- James Merritt
Senior Pastor, Cross Pointe Church

"We live in a culture that shrinks from commitment and that feeds narcissism. Membership in a healthy church is God's powerful remedy to these ills. In this excellent and accessible book, Josh Wredberg and Matt Capps combine sound biblical reasoning with a stream of engaging illustrations to make the case that every Christian must be a committed and active member of a local church. They spell out clearly what actions this membership involves: worship, ministering, serving, disciple-making, giving, praying, and being ambassadors for Christ. I was strengthened, instructed, and encouraged by this book, and look forward to recommending it both to my own church members and other pastors for years to come."
--Andrew M. Davis, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Durham, NC

"Every Member Matters is a worthy contribution to the growing library of great books advocating for biblical church membership. The authors write as men who love Christ and his church, and who deeply desire to stir up others in those loves. And by the grace of God, their book does exactly that. Not only is it theologically rich and full of practical illustrations, but its brevity and winsome simplicity make it a unique breath of fresh air. Both as a christian and as a pastor--I'm thankful for their labors. For every church would be a more faithful church if its members read and lived this book."
-- Brian Davis
Staff Pastor, Exalting Christ Church, Minneapolis, MN

"In a society that struggles with commitment, these authors cast a compelling vision for the duty and delight of belonging to a local church. The beauty of God's design for His people is that participating fully in a body of believers is not only an act of obedience, but is also the path toward becoming the people we are meant to be. This book is a joyful exhortation to Christians who long for connection. It has encouraged me to find new ways to serve and commit to my local church, and I believe it will do the same for all who read it."
-- Catherine Parks
Author of Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships

"In a sincere effort to reach the unchurched, evangelicals have too often embraced a consumer mindset, offering comfort, convenience, and little commitment. The result has been churches filled with attendees but lacking meaningful engagement. The global pandemic exposed the fragility of this approach, as many who were loosely connected to a local church simply did not return.

In Every Member Matters, Matt Capps and Josh Wredberg offer a timely and needed reminder of the church's central place in God's plan and the profound privilege it is to belong as a committed member of a local body. If you want to engage every member in the life and ministry of the local church, read this book. You'll be encouraged and reoriented to a more faithful vision of life together in Christ."

-- Juan R. Sanchez, Senior Pastor, High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas
Author of Seven Dangers Facing Your Church

About the Author

Matthew Z. Capps has served as the Lead Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, NC, since 2015. Capps is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div. with Biblical Languages), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min. in Pastoral Theology), and is a Ph.D. candidate at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. Matt and Laura have three children: Solomon, Ruby, and Abby.

Josh Wredberg serves as Lead Pastor of Redeemer Community Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC. He has earned a doctorate in preaching from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Josh is the co-author of Exalting Jesus in John--a commentary in the Christ-Centered Exposition series--and a regular contributor to Christ-Centered & Clear. He and his wife, Cari, have three sons: Jack, Max, and Caed.