diff --git a/lib/models/room.js b/lib/models/room.js
index 74ddcad50..c5b5623ee 100644
--- a/lib/models/room.js
+++ b/lib/models/room.js
@@ -56,8 +56,17 @@ utils.inherits(Room, EventEmitter);
  * @return {RoomMember[]} A list of currently joined members.
  */
  Room.prototype.getJoinedMembers = function() {
+    return this.getMembersWithMemership("join");
+ };
+
+/**
+ * Get a list of members with given membership state.
+ * @param {string} membership The membership state.
+ * @return {RoomMember[]} A list of members with the given membership state.
+ */
+ Room.prototype.getMembersWithMemership = function(membership) {
     return utils.filter(this.currentState.getMembers(), function(m) {
-        return m.membership === "join";
+        return m.membership === membership;
     });
  };