Each week at PowerPoint Ministries, we hear from people seeking a new church home. Some have moved from another city, or another state. Others hope a new church will reignite their faith.
Many are looking for the perfect church. Trouble is, no church is perfect. Nothing this side of heaven is.
But if you seek God’s will and pray for guidance, you’ll find a church that offers what you need, especially the teaching and programs and activities that will keep you fully involved.
First, let’s consider what a church should be. Indoor play areas and trendy coffee bars are great, but remember, they aren’t core functions of the church.
Instead, focus on the foundation, particularly how the church views Scripture. Does it believe the Bible the inerrant and inspired Word of God? Is the preaching filled with feel-good platitudes, or is there a strong commitment to solid Biblical teaching? Are visitors welcomed as brothers and sisters in Christ?
Thousands of churches call themselves “Christian,” but it isn’t always easy to find Jesus there. When you visit a church, ask where it stands on the tenets of the Christian faith – the virgin birth and the deity of Jesus; His birth, death and resurrection; His promised Second Coming; salvation by faith alone.
Finally, what happens after the service ends? Do members of the congregation actively live out their faith? Or do they tuck it away with their Bible until the next Sunday? In James 1:22, the half-brother of Jesus says “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
God doesn’t want His children to travel through life alone. He wants us to be a part of something larger, where we grow in His Word and find friendship and support. As part of a church centered on Jesus, we minister to one another – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,” Proverbs 27:17 tells us.
Focus on finding a strong Bible-believing church and become an active part of it. Serve in any way you can. Grow in your faith. Bring others to Jesus. And do it all for the Glory of God.
