Determining to find it

The Lord intends for you to be actively involved in a local church.  This is not an option for Christians. Bible studies and other informal functions are very valuable, but they can never substitute for the Church with its corporate worship, ministry of the Word and sacraments, and shepherding care.

If the Lord has guided you to live in a certain place, there is a church that is right for you in that area.  It might not be all that you’d wish for in a church.  It might not be exactly like the churches you have enjoyed in the past.  But it will be the right one for you at this time.

Making the choice

Determine to go with the right motives.  The value of your participation in any church is found not so much in what you get out of it as in what you give of yourself to the Lord and his people in that place.  If your main concern is to find a church to meet your needs, you will inevitably be disappointed.  But if you go to the church to give to the Lord your grateful worship and to share his love with the people there, then you’re on the right track.

Identify the most likely congregations.  These may come from newspaper ads, personal recommendations, or the yellow pages.  If possible, “let your fingers do the walking.”  Contact churches by phone, talk to someone (e.g. the pastor) who has a good feel for the church and its ministries, and ask direct questions about the issues that are of concern to you — view of Scripture, view of worship, commitment to evangelism and missions, opportunities for children, etc. 

Once you’ve identified the likely candidates, visit them.  One visit is hardly sufficient to gain a fair impression of a church.  Three or four times will be necessary in most cases.

Approach each congregation with a spirit of open expectancy.  Don’t be a “nit picker.”  Try to look at each church’s particular strengths.  Seek to identify with that congregation’s style of responding to God.

Look for the marks of a healthy church:

Is it Christ-centered?  Proper focus on Jesus as the God-man, as Savior and Lord, as King and Head of the Church.  Not a “Jesus only” theology, but a balanced emphasis on the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Is it Biblical?  The faithful teaching and preaching of the Word of God produces not only knowledge of the Bible but obedient submission to its authority in the lives of individuals and in the life of the congregation as a whole.

Does it give priority to God-centered worship?  Beware of churches which seek to entertain.  Look for a balanced exercise of the biblical elements of worship and an atmosphere of both celebration and reverence.  Is the worship service empty form?  Or is the “liturgy” a vehicle for the working of the Holy Spirit through the Word?  Is it a genuine meeting of God with his people?

Is it nurturing?  Devotion to God produces a loving, caring fellowship where people support, encourage, and edify one another through personal relationships, small groups, and educational ministries.

Does it show commitment to mission?  The proclamation and incarnation of the Gospel message in the world is a major aim of a healthy church.  It is not chiefly concerned with is own maintenance and survival.

Remember that no church will perfectly exhibit all of these characteristics.  Every congregation is at best a “jar of clay” made up of sinful human beings.  Don’t flatter yourself by thinking that a church with shortcomings is beneath you.  In God’s sight, theirs may be no worse than yours.

Beware of churches whose primary identity as Christians is blurred by disproportionate stress on a secondary identity such as Presbyterian, or Baptist, or Bible-believing, or orthodox, or evangelistic, or charismatic, or liturgical, or whatever.

Seek to differentiate between the “marks” of a true church and your own personal tastes and preferences.  Such matters as style of worship, leadership personalities, organizational procedures, outreach programs, methods of nurture, types of music, and emphasis on certain doctrines, though important considerations, do not have the same significance as the matters mentioned above.  Don’t be guilty of a common mistake — “majoring in the minors and minoring in the majors” — being most insistent about what’s least important and least insistent about what’s most important.

Remember that your choice of a church will always involve trade-offs. You will choose to tolerate certain undesirable features in order to be a part of what seems more crucial.  It’s completely unrealistic to expect to find a church where you agree with everything.

Getting involved

When you find a church to join, commit yourself wholeheartedly.  Don’t be tentative, thinking that if things don’t turn out according to your expectations you will leave.  Church membership is somewhat like marriage — disagreements and disappointments are to be worked through in the context of the Lord’s love.

Seek to build strong relationships with the people in general and the church leadership in particular.  Take the initiative if necessary.  Be patient.  This takes time.

Give honest encouragement to church leaders whenever possible.  Pray for them and let them know you’re doing so.  When you observe something that needs improvement, offer your help to those responsible for that area of church life.