The guilds in the Middle Ages were an important part of life in Medieval times. A higher social status could be achieved through guild membership, and feudalism encouraged people to do this. There were many advantages of becoming a member of a guild. Guild members in the Middle Ages were supported by the Guild if they became sick. There were two main kinds of Medieval guilds - Merchant Guilds and Craft Guilds. A man would have to work through three phases to become an elite member of a Medieval Guild during the Middle Ages - apprentice, journeyman and master.