What Should I look for in a good Church?
When looking for a new church what should you be looking for?- A church where Jesus is Lord - Jesus is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18); Is this church seeking to point people to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and as Lord of their lives?
- A church where the Bible is taught - Is this church treating the Bible seriously as the yardstick for what Christians believe and how they live (2 Timothy 3:16-17)? Is the preaching an earnest attempt to understand and apply the Bible week by week?
- A church where people encourage one another - Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to spur on one another on to love and good deeds and to encourage one another.Are there opportunities to do this at mid-week Bible study groups as well as on Sundays (for example)?
- A church which is outward looking - Could you bring non-Christian friends to the services? Would they hear the Gospel and be challenged to respond (2 Timothy 4:1-5)?
- Will you be encouraged to share your faith with non-Christians and seek their conversion?
- Are there groups or courses for unbelievers and new Christians?
Try to distinguish in your mind between the subjective factors (Do I like this church?Has is got the sort of size, music, style and atmosphere that suits me?), and the more objective factors (like those listed above).
We do not belong to a local church for our comfort, but for our edification and that of others and to increase our effectiveness in ministry. So be careful not to make damaging comparisons with other churches you've belonged to in the past.
Be forward looking and make the most of what God provides for you. When you arrive at university, visit a few different churches during your first few weeks and then try to decide which one you can commit yourself to and stick with it!