So you are looking for a new church? This is a common issue. So what do you look for in a church? As a pastor I am always shocked or surprised about how Christians go about looking for a church. Most of the time it is very self centered! I am sure I could write a whole blog on reasons why people join a church. Instead of looking at the negative side, I would like to focus on applicable ways to truly find a TRUE church in your area!
1. You Must Plan
When looking for a job, a wife, a source of entertainment there is always a plan! At your future job you may ask questions like how much money am I will to be paid minimum? What hours would I be willing to work? What are the benefits? Is there are retirement program? What is the insurance like?
These are all great questions to be asked. And probably MUST be asked. We would ask like questions in regards to our marriage and entertainment choices. We would study things out before we jump into a situation we do not want to be in. We make a diligent and disciplined effort to make sure we are making the right choice.
However, when it comes to make one of the MOST important choices of your life,we do not have a plan of action! So here are a few thoughts on how to make a plan.
- Know What You Believe
- Write a Formal Written Plan
- Make Sure You Know What the Non-Negotiables Are
Understanding these 3 points is really important to your success in finding a church. Make sure you keep the MAIN things the MAIN thing. Too often people make the main things the negotiable, and their own personal preferences the NON-negotiables! These people are plaguing themselves with churches that will falter on the True teaching of God’s Word. These churches often focus more on Man centered worship than Christ centered worship.
2. You Must Use Tools
Talk to your neighbors or get on the internet! These are VALUABLE resources and cannot be neglected. If you talk to your neighbors and they do not have a church, it makes it a GREAT transition to share with them the Gospel.
The internet is such a valuable tool…that is if the church has a website. You can often listen to sermons or music from their church, and get an overall feel of what they are like. However, in some cases this should not be your final decision maker. Often the websites are very basic in information. You may be able to get a general idea of doctrine, but the overall atmosphere is something that can ONLY be understood through walking through the front door.
3. You Must Be Diligent
Treat finding a church like you would finding a job. This church is going to be your spiritual influence! You need to make sure that you leave not stone left unturned. At the same time, make sure that you do not just visit one week and make that your church! Visit several churches, and visit them multiple times.
4. Make it a TOP Priority
Choosing a True church is NOT a small thing. And it is not necessarily easy! We must understand what the purpose of church is! It is for the strengthening of ourselves through the GENUINE preaching of the Gospel. The Word of God is something that needs to be the center of the church. If the Word of God is not being preaching, opened, or expounded than you are not going to be stretched like you should!
If you are more focused on programs than the preaching of the Word of God, you will end up in a church that is shallow and will not teach you to stretch yourself spiritually. The goal of a Christian and going to church is too stretch themselves to be more like Christ. It is not a social gathering and it is NOT about entertainment. Do not exchange TRUTH for entertainment.
For more information on Carbon Valley Bible Church please go to cvbiblechurch.com or call 303-736-9959
Carbon Valley Bible Church 
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