Episode Details

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh sit down with special guest Chris Parrish, pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church and their sending church leader. Drawing from years of pastoral experience and deep friendship, they explore one of the most practical and biblical questions in church life: What makes a good church member?

They begin with why meaningful, formal church membership is thoroughly biblical—not a country club, but a covenant community modeled after the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians. Chris and the hosts unpack the real difference between simply attending church and fully committing as a member, including accountability, mutual belonging, and the ability to live out the New Testament’s “one another” commands.

Chris shares heartfelt insights on the marks of faithful members he’s seen at Buck Run:

• Loving Jesus first and foremost
• Wholeheartedly singing in worship (especially the men!)
• Eagerly obeying what they know from God’s Word
• Being thoughtfully opinionated while approaching leadership with humility and trust
• Committing to prayer for pastors and the church
• Actively caring for one another and bearing burdens
• Sharing the gospel and inviting others in
• Extending grace to less mature believers in the family of God

Filled with encouragement, pastoral wisdom, real-life stories, and even a few light-hearted moments, this conversation will challenge listeners to move beyond consumerism and embrace the joy of wholehearted belonging to the body of Christ.

Whether you’re a longtime member, considering membership, or a church leader, this episode offers rich biblical truth and practical application for healthier, more vibrant local churches.