stephen R Harrison

In my last post, I discussed how to leave a church well. I thought posting about how to join or choose a church well would be an appropriate followup. As I thought about it, several major factors dominated all the reasons one could use to find the church in which God is calling them to be members. What constitutes a “good church”? How would you know if it was healthy or not? I came up with a list of how I would hope to choose/join a church well.

1. How does the church treat the Word of God? Do they sing it? Do they read it? Do they pray it? Is the focus on the preacher/teacher’s style, opinions, quips, personality or how he handles and preaches the Word? Do their sermons point people to Jesus?

2. Is prayer a major emphasis in their services and ministries?

3. Does the church have a clear doctrinal statement? Does it address the Scriptures, each Person of the Trinity, salvation by grace through faith alone, sin, the resurrection, the deity of Christ, heaven and hell, etc.?

4. Do their mission, vision, and values reflect those of Jesus and His Word?

5. What’s the church’s activity in the Great Commission? Is the gospel presented clearly? Do they train and expect their members to share the gospel? How do they make disciples? How are they equipping families, marriages, students, kids? Do they.have some form of small groups and Bible studies?

6. How do they serve their community? Do they have ministries for addictions and freedom/healing? Do they treat the poor (i.e.food pantry, homelessness)? How do they serve their local schools? Are they involved in foster and adoptive care? How are they loving their city and seeking the welfare of it?

7. How do they send to the nations? Are they giving money, offering training, planning trips, and supporting missionaries and mission organizations?

8. What form of leadership do they have? How do they choose leaders? Are elders and deacons functioning biblically? How do they handle praying for people, serving widows, and shepherding people?

9. How do they equip people for the work of ministry? Are there clear pathways to using spiritual gifts, talents, passions, and abilities for God’s glory and building up of the body?

10. How do they administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Are they prominent or absent? Do they point people to Christ and his gospel?

11. Is it evident the pastor loves his flock? How does he preach to them? How does he treat his wife and kids? Is he available and among the flock?

12. How do they treat worship through singing? Do people sing or just watch? Are the songs congregational? Do they encourage singing tougher as one voice? Does the worship seek to unite all generations? Do the words teach theology and are they filled with Scripture? Do the songs point to Jesus? Are they evangelistic? Do they display the victory over Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection? Do they give the hope of Christ?

I recommend attending several weeks or months in a row as you see these (and probably more). Ask for a meeting with the pastor or and elder and have a list of questions reflecting these values. Find out the church’s reputation from friends and those in the community. Don’t be petty – there is no perfect church. Don’t start with lighting, sound, and ambiance – these exist only to help share the gospel and Scripture. They aren’t the main things. Don’t put much stock in the color of the walls or cleanliness of the restroom – we’re not picking a restaurant! Church is a people, not a building (but take care of that building as good stewards).

Once you find a church with these qualities – commit! Get involved. Show up to as much as possible. Serve. Give financially. Engage others in community through small groups, Bible studies, etc. Be death on gossip. Pray, pray, pray! Grow daily in the Lord. Support your church leadership. Don’t be divisive. Don’t be petty. You won’t agree with everything, but that’s okay. Not everything has to meet every preference. When you have concerns, TALK to your pastor and leadership in person – fact to face! They aren’t figureheads – they are people. They are your friends and love you. Don’t do it through text, email, or letters (make notes to talk in person if that helps). Be relational because it’s the best way to hear their heart and for them to hear yours. It’s the best way to clear up misconceptions. Seek reconciliation, forgive quickly, and resist disunity like the plague! Overlook many opportunities to be offended. Be a shock absorber that protects the unity of the church. Have your pastor’s back. Love everyone that walks through the doors. Share Jesus and your testimony. Be committed to the gospel, making disciples, missions, and ministry. Be the local church! Love people deeply. Be someone other members and church leaders can count on. What an eternal family! What a glorious church! What a glorious God!