rethinking membership

When I read Paul's writings, he used the word 'member' in a very different way to what we do.

Membership, for us, is all about entitlement.  I pay a fee, I carry a card, I get access.  I'm entitled to be a part of this community.

Paul used "member" in the context of a body metaphor.  The member of a body is an extension of that body - it assumes belonging and participation as a part of that body.

I belong to a community, and I participate in a community as an extension of that community.

Not as my transaction for entitlement.

1 Corinthians 12:7-31