Choosing The Best Church For You

By Author: Glenn Farrier
Total Articles: 123
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If you are looking for a new church, there are several factors to consider in order to find the church that’s best for you.

Location – Going to a church that is fairly close to where you live is a plus. If you can find a local church that supports your beliefs and style of worship, consider yourself blessed. If there aren’t any churches in your area, contact the Acts 29 network. They are dedicated to making sure there are churches in walking distance of everyone.

Beliefs & Doctrine – As you may have noticed, there are multiple denominations of Christian churches. There are even cults that claim to be Christian but have a completely difference perspective of Christ. Make sure your perspective church puts the Bible above all other doctrines, creeds, rituals and traditions. The Bible will prove itself by revealing Jesus as your personal savior.

Church Government – Many church denominations have internal and external governments. Some denominations have rules to determine who can become pastors, ministers, leaders, deacons, elders, etc. Others are part of nationwide or global committees that determines ...
... where funds go, leader appointments, localities etc.. Many church goers don’t have a clue how their church’s government system works. If you are already a member of a church, it would be good to know how your leadership system works.

Availability of Pastor – Some church denominations require fulltime pastors or ministers, other church pastor’s availability is determined by the pastors himself. It usually comes down to church finances and if the members of the church can actually finance the pastor to be available fulltime. If churches tithes and offering are low, the pastor may need to work outside of the church in order to provide for his family.

Humanitarian Work – Does the church send out missionaries or donate to local organizations? This is important to some individuals, however use caution when making a decision based on this. Churches should help in the community and spread the Gospel around the world, however this shouldn’t get confused with just donating to local non-gospel, non-profit organizations. The main goal should be to help spread the word of truth and the gospel first. There are many non-profit organizations helping others, but sometimes their causes are not supported in the Bible.

Rituals & Requirements – Are you required to dress a certain way? Are you required to say specific prayers or meet with various leaders in order to be saved? Jesus said you have “freely received” salvation. If there are requirements, you could be getting them mixed up with your true salvation; which is Jesus dying for your sins.

Worship – Church is a place for members to come together and worship God in one accord. If the style of worship prevents you from praising your creator or isn’t to your liking, it’s okay to keep searching. There are many ways to praise God. Look for a church that is open to you raising your hands, dancing, getting on your knees, or whatever you do to show your gratefulness to God and the grace He’s given you.

Giving – Many people have a problem with giving. Some even have a problem with how you give. Is a bag passed around, do you walk to the altar, is it automatically deducted from your account. All make some feel uncomfortable in some way or another. If you have any problem with giving at all, then you should consult with God. Without him you could possibly have nothing. And faithfully giving to him, not only helps break the chain of financial burden, it shows your appreciation to Him. To top it off, giving to the church helps pay for many of the factors mentioned above, such as pastor availability, mission work, and even church rent/lease/mortgage. Face it, the church can’t survive and be a resource to you and the community if you don’t help.

Socially – Do you get along with others? Does the church make you feel welcome? Is the church offering events outside of church to help you to get to know others? How you feel among the members is crucial to if you like the church. However, keep in mind, not everyone makes friends with strangers on first meetings. If you didn’t make friends the 1st time you visited, it doesn’t mean the church isn’t friendly. Sometimes you have to break yourself in a little. The good thing about churches are the member are usually nice and if you are bold enough to introduce yourself and start conversations with others, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

So if you find yourself looking for a church for the 1st time or a new church, this list will help you identify which church is best for you. You can use the internet and review sites to find which church has what you desire. Or you can ask your friends which church they go to and if they like it or recommend it. So get out there and find a good church that will help you with your walk with Christ. God bless!

If you are looking for a Bible church in San Diego, consider Barabbas Road Church in Pacific Beach. The author of this article is Barabbas Road Church member James Harrison, a Christian SEO Specialist at Capernaum Marketing.