How Do You Choose A Church?

People ask me all the time what makes a good church? What they are really asking is what criteria should they utilize when they are trying to determine if a particular church body is a good choice or not. The unfortunate truth is that most people do not know how to choose a "good" church. Most people choose a church for the wrong reasons. The seven most popular "wrong" reasons that people choose a church are:

• Location
• Availability of "pet" or favorite ministries (Music, choir, children's, youth, men, and/or women)
• Interesting or entertaining preacher/speaker
• Affirms personal values, cultural distinctions, or social-political-or economic 
• Low or no pressure for personal involvement or accountability
• Family history of involvement
• Size (large to hide in or provide pet ministries or small for various reasons)

Most of us do desire a church that is easy to get to, has ministries that appeal to us, is not boring, and positively affirms what we believe, doesn't apply much pressure, and/or where family has had a history. However, these are not the criteria that one should use as a guideline for joining and or supporting a local church. Many of the cults and liberal denominations can possess some or all of these distinctions.

So, how does one choose a church? What criteria should you use when making such an important decision? Let me share seven specific criteria with you that I think describes a good solid church. First, let me say, I did not put these in any particular order of importance. Second, criteria number three (3) is more of a personal opinion than an actual Scriptural principle.

1. Is the church Elder ruled? (Shepherds lead the flock not vice-a-versa)

2. Is there a proper balance of hymns, Psalms, and biblically spiritual songs?

3. Is the church Family Integrated? (Does entire family worship together)

4. Does the church understand, properly teach, and live out the Doctrines of Grace?

5. Is the church committed to biblical discipleship as a means of growth and perpetuation?

6. Are the values of the church built on and transmitted through the grid of Acts 2:42-47?

7. Is the church committed to expositional and applicational teaching of the Word of God?