When you are searching for the right church for you ask five important questions. Those questions are:
(1.) What church should you attend?
Christians do spend a lot of time trying to find the "right" church. Throughout the history of churches, this method does not work.
One verse that comes to mind that sums up everything is Hebrews 10:24-25 which says: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another. (NIV version). Church is not mentioned in the verses quoted, but the context of the passage indicates that the writer is referring to church.
Back in the days when christianity came into existence believers would meet in homes. These meetings were called "ekklesia." This is a greek word that means to assemble, meet, gather together or congregate. (The word congregation comes from this).
Today in modern times christian churches have changed. In the United States there are hundreds of christian denominations to choose from. Some cities have numerous christian churches.
The above passage from Hebrews reminds all christians to make sure they get together regularly although new christians as well as long time believers are still confused about finding the right church. Personally, I hope that this blog will help you to find the right church.
(2.) What is the church?
There are two christian distinctions of the word church. The church is visible (local) and invisible (universal). The visible church is physical gatherings in a building. The invisible church consists of christians all over the world and throughout the ages. The invisible church is one (universal). The visible churches are many (local).
Every christian is a member of the invisible church because christians are believers in Christ. They are members of his body which is the church. The bible calls the church the Body of Christ. Another bible verse comes to mind that can explain it better which is 1 Corinthians 12:27 which states: Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Hebrews 4:9 and 1 Peter 2:10 state that the church is also called The people of God. Ephesians 4:15 and 5:23 state that Christ is the head of the church.
The visible church consists of organizations or institutions. The invisible church consists of all christians united under Jesus Christ.
(3.) What is the purpose of the church?
The church has many purposes to serve God which consists of evangelism, edification, worship, and social concern. Evangelism includes telling others the good news of Jesus Christ and what he has done. The verse that comes to mind tht explains this best is Matthew 28:19 that says: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This means that every church needs to be involved in evangelism, which reaches out to non-christians with the truth of Christ.
The church should edify christians. The meaning of edify is to build up, equip, improve, encourage or support. When christians gather together with other believers, this is one way to be edified. Other ways to edify christians is through a sermon and small bible study groups. There are many other ways to edify christians as well.
Worship is a very important function of the church. It is where christians gather to worship God, although that doesn't mean that the church building is the only place to worship. But it is something that they do regularly. Although different christian churches worship differently and have different styles of music, the purpose is to worship God and not provide entertainment for the congregation.
Social concern is another purpose of the church. This means that christians do not get together on an intellectual level, spend time in worship or evangelism without humanitarian concerns. While all these things are important in the church, it is also important to go out into the world and do something positive for other people as stated in Matthew 25:35-36. Social concern is one of the main components of christianity today as it was back in the early christian church.
(4.) Can you find the right church or does one exist?
Most christians spend a lot of time trying to find the right church. This way of thinking throughout the years has proved to be unsuccessful. You should find a church that honors God's truths as stated in the bible and throughout the history of the church.
Another thing to keep in mind is what a church believes and teaches. This is called doctrine. This consists of the rules of the church. Christian traditions have a variety of expressions of church and worship. All churches adhere to a core of beliefs about God, Christ, Humanity, and Salvation.
(5.) Have you found the perfect church?
The answer to this final question is that you won't. Every church consists of a mixture of people who are flawed to one extent or another. Even though there is not a perfect church, do your best to find a church that is solid and honors the bible and christian beliefs. In conclusion, while searching for a church and after you find one always remember to pray for God's guidance
Robert M. Bowman, Jr. offers five helpful tips for checking out a church's teaching. Those five tips are:
(A.) Have a clear idea of what kind of teaching you want.
There are numerous denominations and primary traditions. Knowing the kind of teaching that you are interested in is important.
All christians are united as far as the deity of Christ and his resurrection, but there is diversity on secondary issues such as: Differing approaches and interpretations of the bible, different types of Baptism, and differences in observing Communion. There are also different forms of government such as Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational.
(B.) Ask about the church's religious affiliation.
Is it part of a denomination? Is it independent and self-governing? Is it associated with an organization? By asking these questions it will help you learn more about the church.
(C.) Ask for a doctrinal statement.
This is also known as a statement of faith. This statement should list the essentials that the church believes.
(D.) Find out who founded the church and who the leaders are today.
Finding out this information will help you understand where the church is coming from as well as where they are.
(E.) Consult standard reference works.
You should check out the church or denomination's web site. You can also look in books such as: Handbook of Denominations in the United States by Frank Mead. (Abingdon Publishing) and Pocket Dictionary of North American Denominations. (Intervarsity Press).