How to Find a Good Church

 
This does not mean that there aren't many good family churches around. Actually there are a great many more good churches around than there are the not-so good churches. When I speak of a not so good church, I am not addressing groups that are known cults. In every denomination and in every non-denominational setting you will find good churches and not-so good churches. Often what determines the difference in these two groups will be the pulpit ministry of the group. Here is a short list on what to look for in finding a good church home: (1) Avoid churches that carry in them an elitist or superior attitude towards other Christians. These churches are often sectarian in nature. (2) Avoid denominations that speak of their denomination as God's true church in the earth. Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world. Jesus did not come to give us a better religion. He came to give us Himself. You will find true Christians in all Christ honoring churches, including those who are not so good. (3) Look for a church that is generous in heart towards other Christians, who rejoice when other Church groups prosper, and who see their own church as only one part of the greater body of Christ. Why is this important? Because Jesus gave us a sign that will always be the mark of His people.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Christian love is not sectarian. It is shared by all true believers.  (John 13:35 NIV) “By this all men will know that your are my disciples, if you love one another.” (4) Avoid churches where the pulpit dominates the conscience of members. Fear preaching and pulpit intimidation are trademarks of no so good churches. This is where the pastor is pretty much the sole prophet spokesman for God, never to be questioned. (5) Seek that healthy church where Bible believing, Bible teaching, and being able to question and discuss doctrinal teachings in an open manner are invited by that church. Open and honest dialogue is a major key to spiritual growth. (6) Avoid churches that are excessively emotional in nature. Emotionalism should never be seen as a sign of spirituality or of maturity. Oftentimes it is just the opposite. While we do rejoice in our emotions, the greater sign of spiritual depth will be a quietness of spirit. When Peter spoke of our spiritual adornment he said it was, "the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. Then we hear this from the Isaiah, and the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17) The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. While the above six points are generic, they are good things to consider. Perhaps I should go to say that the nature of a local church is pretty much set by the tone of the pulpit ministry. Where you find a humble, Spirit led pastor in the pulpit; you will find those kinds of folk in the pews. When you find arrogance in the pulpit, guess what?  I will leave that question up to you to answer.The key will always be in the foundation. It is said in Psalms 11:3, If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalms 11:3) When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.  It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.  If what he has survives, he will receive his reward.  If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.  (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)Paul is addressing the teachers of God's word. Gold, silver, and precious stones, represent the wonderful doctrines of Christ that build up our faith in Him. Wood, hay and straw represent teachings that are not true to the Scriptures. They will not stand under the fires of life or under the judgment of God. Notice carefully where Paul places the stress of salvation for these teachers. Their salvation is based on one central factor - The foundation of Jesus Christ and the work of the cross. The point is that if our salvation depends on total accuracy in everything that we teach, then no one will make it to heaven. Salvation is based on one thing alone, that we have come to believe in Jesus Christ fully. This is where we need to see a Messianic prophecy - God says through Isaiah, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed." (Isaiah 28:16) So this is what the Sovereign Lord says.  See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation, the one who trusts will never be dismayed. The foundation of Jesus Christ is firmly placed. How we build up our lives on the foundation is another manner. God's people need to make sure they are building their lives on the "gold, silver, and precious stones" truths about Christ and not on the traditions of men.
 
John