Looking for the Church

When a person is choosing where they will worship, what factors influence their decision? Many look for what’s familiar – (“If it was good enough for Mom, it’s good enough for me!”) Many will simply follow the lead of a friend. Others want activity programs that meet their desires, ensuring they will find others in their age group. Some look for a church building that’s conveniently located or one that is newly renovated. Typically, a person chooses to focus on selfish factors which should never be a primary concern. So, what should we focus on when choosing where to worship?

1) Look for the church which teaches the Biblical plan of salvation. False doctrines such as “the sinner’s prayer” are not supported by the Bible. The message of the New Testament is not “faith only,” God clearly requires more. According to the Bible: One must hear the word of the gospel (Rom 1:16; 10:17), believe the true message of Jesus (John 8:24), repent of their sins (Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as Lord (Rom 10:10), be immersed for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), and live in faithful obedience to God (1 Jn 1:7; Rev 2:10).

2) Look for the church which worships as the New Testament instructs. God’s Word describes many actions of worship and teaches how each should be done by the faithful child of God. Christians engage in public and private prayer (Acts 2:42; 1 Thess 5:17). Christians also sing songs of praise which vocally and verbally communicate truth (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). Christians give of their means to support the work of the church (1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:6-7). Christians teach and study from the Holy Scriptures (Acts 2:42; 2 Tim 2:15; 4:2). Finally, and most importantly, Christians observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Matt 26:26-28; 1 Cor 11:23-29; Acts 20:7). For our worship to be pleasing to God, it must be worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

3) Look for the church which is Biblical in its organization. Jesus is the only head of His church (Matt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23). The church which Jesus founded does not have an earthly governing body. No man, council, or congregation holds authority over other congregations. Each individual congregation is overseen by elders (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim 3:1-7). Deacons serve the congregation, under the elders’ direction (1 Tim 3:8-13). The members are saints “in Christ,” men and women who have obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:47; Rom 6:17; 1 Cor 1:2). The church family is “the body” taking orders from Christ, “the head” (Col 1:18). They must actively live out their faith (Rom 12:9; Eph 4:15; Jam 2:17) – following God’s commands to evangelize, edify, do benevolent work, and praise Him with diligence and sincerity.

In choosing where we will worship, our primary concerns should not be meeting our personal preferences. Rather, we should concern ourselves with meeting God’s requirements! There is no salvation outside of Christ. These are not areas where one should lower their standards. Don’t settle for less; demand Biblical truth!