What should I look for in a church?
If you have ever asked that question, good for you! Too many folks simply show up at the church that makes them feel the best, and when things get rough, they move on. A Christian who desires to grow and mature, however, should make this decision after serious contemplation.
It would be nice if we had a chapter in the Bible called “How to find a church,” but it’s simply not there. That is likely because church meetings looked different in the first century. At that time, believers in Jesus comprised a fringe group that met for mutual support and encouragement. They did not have a smorgasbord of churches from which to choose.
Today we look for a church that will cater to our whims. When one church fails to deliver, we look for another. But this should make us stop and think. If our church does not have what we want, is it possible that we should volunteer to start it?
There are, I believe good reasons to leave a church. Here are a few:
1. You move away
It’s hard to attend a church that is not near where you live. Regardless of what we were told during the COVID lockdowns, watching an online service is not really church.
2. Doctrine
We will discuss this below, but if your church teaches wrong doctrine, you need to abandon ship.
3. You can grow and serve better somewhere else.
We have to be careful with this one, but occasionally we do need to join another church where we have more opportunities to grow and serve.
If you determine that it is time to find another church, I would encourage you to be honest. Are you just wanting to go somewhere else because you want a change? Are you simply looking for the latest glitzy service? Maybe it’s time to stay put and be a blessing where you are.
Before we dive into five things to look for in a church, it may be a good idea to remind ourselves what this is all about, anyway. What is the purpose of the church?
We get a good summary on the Day of Pentecost after Peter preached his famous sermon.
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:41-42)
Church is not meant to be a compilation of children’s programs and flashing lights. It should be about fellowship, learning, and corporate prayer.
So, let’s say you have a valid reason for looking for a church. What should you look for? Let me offer these five areas that deserve special consideration.
1. Doctrine
This is numero uno. If everything else on the list checks out, but this one does not, do not go there.
Of course, the question is how much you need to agree on doctrine. There are always some doctrinal issues on which you can disagree, and that is fine. However, you cannot budge on the fundamental doctrines.
When you come into the church, you should come wanting to learn. Do you want to learn what they teach? Do you want your kids to learn it?
This brings us to another question: when you attend a service, do you actually learn anything? If not, maybe it’s time to move on. Your main Bible study should be in your private devotions, but the church leaders should be teaching on a regular basis—and going deeper than superficial “feel good” sermons.
Now for a third question: do you occasionally feel conviction during church services? That’s a good sign.
2. Mission of the church
What is that church trying to do? What is their mission? How do they see their services—as outreach or disciple development? If you are planning to join a church, you have to make sure you are going in the same direction.
3. Opportunities to serve
Notice the wording here: I did not say “opportunities to be served” but “opportunities to serve.” We often get this backward. Every member should be doing something. Are there opportunities for you to serve?
4. Fellowship
Do the people in that church get along? It is hard to get mutual encouragement when everyone hates each other. You are looking for a family, and fellowship is part of being a family.
5. Worship style
Yes, I saved this one for last because that is exactly where it should be. It should not be the most important thing to consider while looking for a church, but it is important. We all worship God in different ways. While the church may not do “worship” exactly the way you would prefer, can you set your preferences aside and worship anyway? After all, worship is not about us—it’s about God.
When the musicians play and the singers sing, what do you think about? Do you think about the technology, talent, and good looks of the team on the stage? Or do you think about the greatness of God?
And another thing—can you worship along with them? Worship is not a spectator sport. If you can only stand and watch as the talent on stage puts on a concert, maybe there’s not a lot of corporate worship happening.
But remember this: worship style is not just about music—it is everything that happens. The music is worship, the preaching is worship, and, yes, even the giving is worship. As you meet with a church family, are you encouraged to think about God and want to serve Him better?
Your choice of a church ultimately comes down to this: you should not join a church just because you enjoy it. You join a church to help you grow more into a disciple of Jesus so you can better serve Him.
