Is church membership a sign of one's salvation?

I have many personal and biblical problems with church membership. I have ultimately come to see it as a way for elders to dominate and define the life of the body of believers who subject themselves to their "rule" and "authority." The result of this in my experience has been an attitude of arrogance on the part of those who have been appointed as over-shepherds as they see themselves as bearers of "the keys of the kingdom" (a convenient biblical misinterpretation) and are thus able to "bind and loose" the conscience of believers. Yet, Christ refused to do the same as we can see at the last supper when He gave to Judas His "body and blood." In the vein of Romans 14, I cannot subject myself to such a system and have thus received a letter, transcribed below, from a congregation I left a year and a half ago. I was a member then and have since asked them to erase my name from the rolls. Here is the letter:

Dear Evan:

We miss you here at Harvest and your expression of love to our Lord and fellow men among us. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to seriously consider your church membership status in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. As you know, it has been more than two years since you left Harvest and started attending New Live PCA, Escondido. During this time we have urged you to enter into full fellowship at New Life PCA where we could make the appropriate transfer or issue you a letter of standing. Although we have discussed this very important matter with you on several occasions, it appears that you are no closer to joining New life PCA than the last time we discussed the matter.

In Hebrews 10:24-25 we read, "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." This verse shows us that there is more to this than just attending a church. We are to give careful consideration and forethought to how we will stimulate others to love and good deeds when we meet with our brother and sisters in Christ in order that we might encourage them in their faith and you in your faith. This can only be done when one is committed to a local fellowship and the people in it. Scripture knows of no lone-ranger Christians. All of the Epistles are written to churches or to pastors of churches. In Revelation, Christ speaks directly to His churches -- not just to individuals. Christ loves His church! If we are to be Christ-like, we should too!

Do you want ot be in God's will? Then please be active in and join a local church (e.g. New Life PCA). Certain things in Scripture are clear. When we refuse to obey God in even the most fundamental of areas, we should not expect Him to bless us or guide our way in other less clear areas. Evan, we are afraid that this is where you are right now.

The elders of Harvest have determined to consider your membership status at the June 2009 session meeting. At that time, if we hvae determined that you still have proceeded no further in seeking to join New Life PCA (or another Bible-believing church), we will erase your name from the membership rolls. Evan, we love you and only want to see God's best for you, which we know to be faithful service in Christ's Church in submission to Christ's undershpherds.