First-century Christians didn’t have to know how to choose a church, as they didn’t have different churches to choose from. Because of that, we’re left with little guidance from the Bible today for one of the most important decisions a Christian has to make. Ask God to guide you throughout the process, and consider the following before making your final decision:
- Do you feel the love and joy of Christ from the people?
- Does the message leave you feeling spirtually fed?
- Do you see people who brought their Bibles to church?
- Is the worship truly worship, or just singing?
- If you have children, how active is their youth program?
- Is it a place where you and your family will grow in Christ?
Churches to avoid
New Christians should be careful to avoid so-called “churches” that aren’t Christian in any Biblical sense. Unbelievers can attend services every week for lots of reasons, including business networking, status, and to feel that they’re doing something charitable. In fact, It’s not hard to find churches today where there’s literally no mention of God, Christ, or the Bible at all!
Don’t be drawn to beautiful architecture, statues, ornate decorations and official-sounding names. Watch instead for a full parking lot and seats full of happy people who don’t rush off to get home after the service. Expect different races, ages, and income levels; and if you don’t hear the words “Lord, Jesus, God, Bible or Love while you’re there, keep searching.
Don’t expect any church to be perfect, because all churches consist of imperfect people. That said, new Christians will take a while to become acclimated to Kingdom of God thinking. If a baby isn’t fed and cared for by some mature human being, it will die. If a new Christian doesn’t receive feeding spiritually, and spend some time with more experienced Christians, he or she too may be in danger spiritually.
The word enthusiasm is taken from two Greek words that mean “In God”. In Acts 16.25-31, Paul and Silas sat in a Roman prison cell late one night, singing and praising God. They were “en-thused”. Read the story to find out what happened next. You’re not likely to find a church meeting that ends like this one did, but if you do, THAT’s what you’re looking for!
Of course church services can vary from week to week, as can your mood and perceptions. Continue in prayer asking God to help throughout the process. Ask him to open doors he wants opened, and to close doors he wants closed. He’ll meet you where you are when you ask with an open heart and right intentions.