Finding the Right Church

Many people are looking for a good church home.  They want to find a church that has…

• specific ministries
• good preaching/teaching (at the least the style they like)
• good location
• friendly people
• loving atmosphere
• great service to every one of your needs

As they travel throughout their city, they will may find a church with four out of their six desires and they will move to the next church…and the next one…However, there is one one requirement for finding a church home:

GO WHERE GOD TOLD YOU!

1. Going where God tells you to be may mean that the church doesn’t have any of your desired amenities – and I mean not a single one.  When we look for a church, we believe WE know what’s best for us.  We want to be in a peaceful environment, be fed with good word, and be served with our every whim.  But many are not willing to trust the Lord to bring them into a church that would allow them to mature, love others, support the Great Commission.  They only select a church based upon its ‘surface’ needs.

2. God will reveal His desired location to you.  There are times when He will impress a location/church continually on your heart and mind.  People may confirm what you have already thought and prayed about.  God will tell you directly.  There are many ways God can get your attention, so you must be attentive (and sensitive) to His leading.  See Knowing God’s Voice for additional information.

There is nothing more important than being where the Lord wants you to be…even if it doesn’t look like it is.

Your next church has the potential to grow you, help you, and give you the opportunity to be more like Jesus.  However, whether or not these things occur is up to you.  You can be in the right church (by God’s leading) and act contrary to His will – by refusing to humble yourself, serve, or submit because you did not receive the church you wanted.

A life in God is about revealing His glory to the world through your obedience, service, and ministry to (and through) Him.

3. Once you are in a church, the Lord will tell you exactly what you are to accomplish for Him.  In the meantime, continue to support the church by attending weekly services and supporting them through love and your God-given gifts.  This is important even if you are unsure whether or not your current church is the right one.

Instead of jumping from church to church each week:

• Attend a single church’s weekly services.
• Spend time among the ministry, congregation, and miscellaneous services/events. The time you spend with them can reveal their needs for that season. (If the Lord does not call you to remain in that church, continue to pray for the needs the Lord revealed.)
• After attending for a period, the Lord will reveal His purpose.  He is not slack in His promises or His ability to speak to you.
• Trust Him to lead you.

As you feel led to a particular place of fellowship of the Lord’s choosing, support it with all your heart and allow the Lord to lead you closer to Him and His people.  You may be the person that ministry needs in their season of life.

3. When the time comes to depart a church… If the Lord desires you to depart a particular church, speak with the pastor about the Lord’s leading before departing.  Remain hospitable and loving throughout the entire process.  Allow your Christian witness to remain intact.

Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/svilen001