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When seeking a suitable local church, it is important to remember that, similar to the individuals within them, no church is flawless. Nevertheless, there are numerous crucial factors to contemplate when selecting a church. Some individuals have limited options due to proximity, while others have a wider selection. It is advisable to pray about the churches under consideration to ensure you are following the Lord’s guidance in your quest. Initiate your exploration online or in a local directory to explore all available choices. Pay particular attention to reviewing a church’s doctrinal statement or statement of faith to understand their position on significant matters. If, based on this initial investigation, a church appears reputable and sound, attend the services (including small groups or Sunday school classes) for several weeks while deliberating prayerfully on whether to become a member. Below are some key aspects you should take into account in your quest for a church.
1. What is being preached and taught? The Bible emphasizes that we should heed only those who preach the genuine gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6-9). If any other message is being propagated, it is not a church following Christ, and you should seek another one (Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 1:18). The church should proclaim God’s truth as revealed to us through His inspired Word, the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The essence of the gospel is that we are sinners, “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23), that we require a savior, and that Jesus…Us is the only way of salvation (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). The gospel, along with all the other teachings of the Bible, should be taught accurately and consistently. Apart from the message of salvation, churches differ in their perspectives on the Trinity, the authority of the Bible, eternal security, free will, God’s sovereignty, election of the saints, eschatology (beliefs about the end times), and other theological matters. These are all significant topics that we should strive to comprehend, and, to the best of our ability, we should select a church based on our beliefs regarding these and other church doctrines.
If you are uncertain about your stance on these matters, you should seek out a church that emphasizes and teaches that the Bible is God’s inspired word and upholds belief in God’s sovereignty. God’s sovereignty is evident in the fact that God lovingly and powerfully controls all of history, working in all our lives to ensure His plan is executed in every detail and in His perfect ways (though often not comprehensible to us). Avoid a church that preaches that God only desires happiness, good health, success, and wealth for you; the Bible teaches that, as Christians, we should anticipate persecution and suffering for the cause of Christ (Matthew 5). God uses our suffering to comfort others and to mature us. While God wants us to be happy, He prioritizes our holiness over our temporary happiness.
2. Is the church a place of fellowship and community? The early church in Acts 2:42-47 “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke b
Read [Holy Communion] together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Fellowship should indeed include the observance of God’s ordinances for the church—communion (the Lord’s Supper) and believers’ baptism «Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. », (Acts 2:38).
Also, the church you choose should be welcoming to all. We should welcome sinners yet speak the truth to them about their sin. The people of the church should be committed to encouraging one another to grow in Christ «Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. », (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Sometimes it’s hard to find a church where people don’t just show up on Sunday, but instead truly invest in each other’s lives. Part of this investment is seen in how active and important Sunday school classes, community groups, small groups, youth groups, and other support groups are within the church. If you are a parent, it is especially important that your children find an enjoyable and meaningful group to join during the formative years of their lives. Many kids don’t have Christian friends at their schools and desperately need this peer influence in their lives «And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. », (Ephesians 6:4). While married couples are usually abundant in churches, it can be more difficult for people in other life stages to connect in some churches. If you are single, divorced, widowed, or have been abused, look for chu
1. Does the church teach from the Bible and hold it as the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice? It is crucial for a church to base its teachings and beliefs on the Word of God, ensuring that everything aligns with Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible should be central in all aspects of the church’s ministry, guiding and directing its activities and decisions.
2. Are you able to connect with others in the church? Building relationships within the church is essential for spiritual growth and community support. Look for a church that provides opportunities for fellowship and involvement in small groups or ministries that include others who are in the same stage or experience as you.
3. Is the church focused on reaching out to others outside the church with the message of the gospel and practical service? Christ commanded us to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth, to all unreached peoples (Matthew 28:19-20). The church should be leading its members in this, preparing them to share the gospel with their neighbors and supporting or even leading local or international missions trips. We should be caring for the poor, the widowed, and everyone whom we can help (James 1:22-27, 1 Peter 4:10). Some churches don’t have the resources to reach out to the community with formal groups, but the individuals in the church should be volunteering in the community and serving their neighbors, on their own or with friends. Be sure to also look for a place to serve within your church.
4. Does the style of music fit with your taste or preferences? The older hymns are often rich with truth and important doctrines that can bolster our faith, and there are also many newer songs and choruses that are uplifting and encouraging. The purpose of music in a church should be to lead the people closer to the Lord in worship and adoration. Many of us are used to one style of music as opposed to another, just out of habit or childhood experiences. While music style should be taken into consideration, it should not be the deciding factor in finding a good church.
You may also find our church finder helpful.
