There are several reasons that people find themselves in situations where they have to choose a local church to which they want to belong. It could be because one has just recently become a Christian and realise they need to belong to a church. Or maybe one relocates to another area, so they must find a new church family. Sometimes, it is for theological or philosophical reasons that people feel the need to move on to another church. Whatever the reason, choosing a church is an important decision a Christian can make. Here are some helpful questions to consider.
1. Is the preaching and teaching faithful to the scriptures?
The word of God is central to the health and spiritual vitality of the Christian. Therefore, the faithful and consistent teaching and preaching of the scriptures in a local church is non-negotiable. A serious child of God will ask if the local church they want to join is serious and committed to preaching the word. Is the word of God read, explained, and applied to people’s lives, and is it handled with seriousness and reverence? How do you know if the word is preached faithfully? For starters, the preachers and teachers read and explain the truths from the Bible. You can follow along and see the truths from the texts as the teaching and preaching are going on. You are often instructed, rebuked, encouraged and corrected. In the process, your own ability to handle the scriptures grows. So you ask, does this church teach and preach the word faithfully, accurately and consistently? Will I be fed God's word or man's opinions?
2. Will they hold me and my family accountable?
Does this group of people pursue one another, and are they committed to developing relationships with each other? Are they concerned for your spiritual well-being? Are they committed to your growth and holiness, and do they encourage and exhort you to be committed and consistent? Do they lovingly confront and confess sin? Will the members call out sin when you live inconsistently with your profession of faith? Will they check up on you when you are absent? And will they persist in their confrontation if you are unrepentant? Disciples of Jesus Christ are committed to one another and are compelled to hold each other accountable in their walk with the Lord. A church that will ignore or tolerate your sin or lack of commitment is not good for your soul. A healthy family of believers is committed to loving one another and building one another up in the most holy faith.
3. Are they committed to evangelism and church planting?
The marching order of our Lord and Master is that we make disciples of Jesus Christ. A church that is committed to Jesus Christ is committed to proclaiming his name and obligated to share the gospel with the lost. They will reach their community and will take the gospel to other areas by planting churches in areas where the gospel is needed. Such a church will often be welcoming people through baptism. A church that is not committed to gospel proclamation and church planting has drifted from its mission.
4. Do they have a healthy view of leadership?
The Lord Jesus has appointed shepherds to lead his people; these are called elders (other terms used to refer to the same office are bishop-overseer and pastor-shepherd). The Bible calls these men to lead faithfully, humbly and selflessly, and it admonishes the congregations to submit to their leaders because they will give an account to the Lord. In a healthy church, the elders are viewed as fellow members. They are not an elite group of men with special access to the throne of grace. Further, their authority over the congregation is in so far as they teach and preach God’s word. They lead by example, and they exercise oversight over the flock the way a shepherd would tend to the sheep.
5. Do they encourage every member to serve?
Another aspect to consider when looking for a local church is whether or not the members are encouraged to do the work of ministry. In other words, service is not limited to the leaders. But every member is encouraged and equipped to use their gifts for the edification of the body. Biblical Christianity calls for every member of the body using their gifts and resources to be a blessing to fellow believers and reach out to none believers. And that’s one of the things you should be looking for in a local Church.
With that said, we must be weary of treating looking for a local Church like shopping at the mall. So here are three final thoughts;
1. No one local church is perfect, because people are not perfect. Every local church has it’s struggles and areas of growth. It is therefore important that you do not look for a local church like picking the best product.
2. Avoid making decisions primarily based on personal preferences or based on what role(s) you might play in that Church.
3. Do not delay the decision or prolong the process of deciding on joining a Church. It is an important and urgent enough decision, so make it!
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