The authors introduce the meaning of church membership, the traits of a good church, and how we are to function as parts of the body of Christ. The discussion covers church leadership, the respective roles of men and women, worship, spiritual gifts, confrontation, unity and prayer, treating each as a practical matter for ordinary members rather than a question for officers alone.

Lance Quinn has called it simply the best book to give to new members, which is how most churches use it: as the text for a membership class or as reading for someone considering joining. Wayne A. Mack and Dave Swavely write from pastoral experience, and this revised and expanded edition is the current one.