How to Choose a Church Home
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Choosing what church to call home is a very important decision for you and your family. There are many things people look for in a home church, most of them are obvious. Make your decision prayerfully---allow God to speak to you on what church to attend. One church cannot be everything to everybody, so churches tend to be very different. |
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There was a day when doctrine was the main reason people choose a church to attend. Surveys have shown that other reasons have become more important---location, style of worship, and friends to name a few.
Church doctrine is very diverse in today's world. Even within denominational churches, doctrine and teaching may be different from church to church. The first thing we must consider, when selecting a church, is their preaching and teacing Bible based? There are some "churches" that hold other books and teaching equal to the Bible---be aware! Most churches have their statement of beliefs written in their literature. Churches should have their beliefs written down and easy to find.
Many are looking for a church that best meets their family's need or needs. This is very legitimate. As the priest of his home, the father should be looking for a church that ministers to the family as a whole. A person should also ask himself, "Is this a church where I can be used?" Look for a church where you can be a blessing---not just one where you can be blessed.
One of the main considerations for selecting a church is accountability. When visiting a church find out to whom the leadership is accountable. We have all heard terrible stories of how leaders have wronged congregations because of a lack of accountability. For denominational churches, the pastors are not just accountable to local boards, they are accountable to district, regional, sectional, or national boards. Make sure that the leaders of your church are accountable to someone. This is especially true for independent churches. When attending a non-demominational church ask the leaders about their accountability then check them out. Some preachers carry credentials, but that does not mean they are accountable.
Every Christ exalting church has a purpose. What is the vision of the church? Churches tend to focus upon different aspects of ministry (it ia a rare thing to find a church that does all things well). Some of these areas are teaching, worship, prayer, fellowship, outreach, discipleship, missions, music, children, youth, etc. Churches tend to allocate resources to their strengths. Find out what the church's vision is, then ask how it is accomplishing the task? Find a church whose vision is most like your own, then ask the leadership how you might be used in accomplishing that vision.
Probably one of the most important things you can ask about a church, "Do they exalt Christ?" If they do not, you need to keep looking.
Articles & Resources for Church Workers
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Starting a Greeter Program
Four years ago I accepted the challenge of evangelism chairperson for our church. One of the first programs the pastor and I developed was the Sunday morning greeter program. -
Motivating the Right Person into the Right Ministry
One of the greatest challenges for most leaders is selecting and motivating the right people into the right ministry positions in hopes of minimizing turnover and frustration. Even in the smaller church with limited personnel, it is important to coordinate people and ministry as much as possible. -
“I TRIED, BUT NO ONE EVER CALLED ME”
“I tried, but no one ever called me” are painful words for a leader who has much work to do and not enough people willing to do it. These words are painful for the person who wanted to contribute, but was never called. These are also painful words for a person who is committed to helping people connect and contribute in meaningful ways within the church.
