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.
- Is the church Elder ruled? (Shepherds
lead the flock not vice-a-versa)
- Is there a proper balance of
hymns, Psalms, and biblically spiritual songs?
- Is the church Family
Integrated? (Does entire family worship together)
- Does the church understand,
properly teach, and live out the Doctrines of Grace?
- Is the church committed to biblical
discipleship as a means of growth and perpetuation?
- Are the values of the church
built on and transmitted through the grid of Acts 2:42-47?
- Is the church committed to
expositional and applicational teaching of the Word of God?
Some good questions here Gregg, I choose a church if I am made feel welcomed also if I come away feeling inspired.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week-end.
Yvonne.
Good criteria, Gregg. Thankfully, God has graciously led us to such a local church.
ReplyDeleteGreat questions!
ReplyDeleteGood criteria! I guess we are fortunate as our Church meets all the points, plus is about 50 yards fro a Timmie's. :-}
ReplyDelete