There is little that is more complicated and frustrating than the arduous task of looking for a church that fits. There are many to choose from, some very good, others not worth the time. And the final decision is so much more than doctrine. A good church feels like home.
Some of the footwork can be done online, checking out doctrine, service times and worship style. People contacts and word of mouth recommendations are also helpful. But in the end, you will actually need to step inside the doors and feel the fit.
Because you have already decided that not attending church is NOT an option for you or your family, you have work to do. I want to help you work through the process of finding your next church home. I have developed a shopping list.
There are a few doctrinal or theological issues that you need to measure as you look for a new church. All churches are NOT the same. I have boiled this down to a few very simple questions. Make sure you get very clear answers. The less clear the answers, the less likely they are the answers you want.
There are probably MANY other doctrinal issues that may be of importance or interest to you, but the following are non-negotiable issues:
Who is Jesus Christ? The Bible teaches that Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, the eternal Son of God. Jesus is God and man, the perfect substitute and sacrifice for sinful mankind. Jesus is the only way, by faith, unto salvation.
What is the Bible? The Bible IS the Word of God, not merely a vehicle for discovering God's Word. Any other view on what the Bible is . . . is wrong. Once you fudge on the nature of the Bible, truth is up for grabs. Accept no substitute for God's truth.
What does it mean to be saved, converted, born again, rescued from sin, etc.? And why is this important? Biblical salvation is rescue from sin and punishment for sin by personal faith in Christ's Cross-work. Salvation is a work of God in a person in response to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is NOT a work of man whereby we earn or merit our salvation.
These are the non-negotiable issues when it comes to looking for a church. The other doctrinal issues tend to be a little bit less vital. Feel free to add to this list questions about doctrine or theology that matter to you. But DO NOT settle for less than what you believe.
There are also questions about "doing church" that you'll find valuable when thinking about a new church:
Why do you exist? The church is God's tool for preparing the saints for ministry and for reaching the lost. The church is God's hospital for the sin-sick and a training center for Christians.
What is worship? Worship is a response to God in light of learned truth or personal experiences with God. Worship is music and prayer, scripture reading and sermon listening. Worship is living unto God's glory and honor.
How do you flesh out the gospel in daily life? You ought to look for a church that wants to be Jesus' hands and feet in the community. You want a church that makes sharing the gospel a high priority. You want a church that is about more than itself.
Do you have a discipleship program? What is it? Listen for buzz words like Sunday school, small groups, Bible classes or discipleship groups. Ask what each seeks to accomplish. You want a church that will invest time and energy to help you grow up in Jesus Christ.
A question I would want answered is: Will I be able to serve? Some churches want your body in a pew for the head count and offering. But they may not be interested in you being active in doing church. Don't go there!
And then, there is a list of rather practical matters to consider:
Is there a nursery? How do you make it safe for my kids? Tell me about your children and youth programs? Will my kids be safe?
What is the procedure for becoming an active part of a Bible study, small group or support group. And what are my options? What events are provided for fellowship with other believers? Will my un-saved friends be accepted when they come with me?
You may also be concerned about the size of the church. Too big can keep you sidelined and make you feel lost in the crowd. Too small may not provide all you need.
You may want to know a little bit about the demographics of the membership. Are there people like me? Is there diversity? Does this church reflect the community? Or only a select segment? I've been told that church is practice for Heaven. Pick a church that might look like the crowd in Heaven.
I suggest a few steps while shopping:
Use your fingers. The phone book is helpful. Generally speaking, he bigger the ad, the bigger the church and the more info provided. The web often is a place to look at pictures and read about the people. Look for your non-negotiable items: doctrine, worship, etc.
Call . . . ask your questions. If helpful, great. If not, avoid them. BUT REMEMBER that not all churches can afford to have a person strapped to the phone. You may need to leave a message and number. Don't write off a church because a live person doesn't say, "Hello."
Visit two or three times UNLESS it is just bad or is OBVIOUSLY not a fit. Try worship. Try Sunday school. Try a group study event. Try a social event. Talk to people and ask about the church. Talk to the pastor. Maybe even schedule a time to sit and chat.
The author of Hebrews wrote:
Hebrews 10:23 . . . Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. {24} And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. {25} Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Meeting together, attending church, is a high ideal for the Christ-follower. The church is our hospital when we become sin-sickened. The church is our rehabilitation center when life falls apart. The church provides healthy fellowship with like-minded people. The church is usually a safe place to let down your hair. The church is where you find training to serve Jesus Christ. The church is a resource for learning how to do daily life. The church provides cheerleaders when the going gets difficult.
As you can see, being part of a church is a good investment of time and talent and treasure. The church gives far more than most of us give back. But if we don't attend, then we can expect to gain nothing.
I know some of you dread May 4, the first Sunday you will begin to attend other churches in search of your next church. Refuse to take time off. You haven't earned time off. Church is not a job. You don't get earned vacation.
And I will be around for a while. We have a house to sell. We have a house to find and purchase. I don't start at Grace until July 1. Feel free to call and chat about your experiences. We may even share a pew as Carol and I visit area churches. Consider me your pastor until you find a new church home.
Allow me to close with one final word of advice: DO NOT settle for a church because you get tired of shopping. DO NOT settle for a church that you wouldn't miss if you skipped a week. Press the search until you find a church that makes you say, "I'm home."
Be as fussy about your next church as most women are about shoes . . . the RIGHT color, the RIGHT style and a PERFECT fit. Your next church should fit at least as well as this church. Take your time. Choose wisely.
