Choose a Church

Sound Doctrine.

 

Honestly, this is going to be something that I'm going to have to do soon.

Some of the things that I would look for:

Bible adherance.
Attendance not too small or too big. (over 100, under 1,000)
Clean and well kept building and grounds.
Good child care and children's programs.
Good choir/music.
Friendliness of members and staff.

Everything else is negotiable.

Laurenda

 

If I were looking for a church- prayer would be the most important or should be the most imporant part that God would lead me where He wants me to be. There is no perfect church in fact I heard one preacher say if you find a perfect church don't go there you'll ruin it. I would look for a church though with high standards and where the pastor stands behind the Bible. One should seek God's guidance in finding the church where one will be in God's will and thereby most pleasing and usable to God ,and (in that state) where one will have more joy and peace than otherwise.

 

Boy howdy, I agree with Dr. Bob.

 

Olive Branch: I looked for one where their beliefs were lined up with scripture, and where I thought I could be useful.
I saw, I went. I laid out exactly what I believed, they laid out exactly what they believed, and we agreed we could both deal with that.
There are a few things I'm not in total agreement on, but all of those things so far save one are matters of personal preference. The one major doctrine we disagree on I wasn't asked to hide, but rather not to actively promote, and I can deal with that.
Things that really impressed me: activity within the community, other churches, organizations. They seem to emphasize the unity instead of the separation, and that's a rare find in an IFB church.
Gina

 

This is hard because I haven't "had" to look for a church in a while.

Doctrine, of course, without question,would be one clear search.

A place where I could serve would be second most important.

And where I could worship.

 

And missions minded.

 

Or she could step across the map a few miles and come to mine.
Gina

 

The very first thing that i would look at is if they are theologically sound or not.

Secondly I would look at how friendly to new people the membership is. I have been to churches that dont give a stuff about being friendly, and simply on the basis of that I would not bother going back.

I suppose you could always start your own fellowship if God led you to?

 

I am looking for

1. Prayerful placement by God's will
2. Bible based (KJV)
3. Headship of Christ and equal belivers
4. Local evangelical focus and outreach

I think that the not too big and not too small would be nice, but I do not expect that even getting close to the above list in Urbana IL will find a 'mega' church. And given the flat line of local street evangelism I would say my serch could be in vain.
When I was in the darkest days, I would say there is a church on every corner in Urbana. But only one defrocked drunk baptist preacher was even willing to talk about Christ or the Bible. I hope to change this, with God's help.

Ken ><KJV>

 

I hope I never have to do this again.

If I did, I would look for:
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• Total adherence to the Bible -- the whole
  Bible -- and its teachings, doctrines, etc.</font>
• A clear desire for truth at any cost</font>
• Two-way submission -- the members to
  the teachers and the teachers to the
  members</font>
• No added rules</font>
• No restrictions to particular Bible
  translationss</font>
• Lack of exclusivism</font>

I would look for a place just like where I do now.

 

Since I have been asked to consider and forward info to a youth pastor position, I had to look at the staff and the congregation's expectations. I feel that all of what has been said are important issues. Though I am partial to smaller churches.

 

I don't think I will ever have to look for another church. I have found my chuch home.

How did I find it? The Holy Spirt led me to it.

When looking for a new church home, I visit the Southern Baptist Churches in that town.

I look for:
1. Reading and teaching of God's Word.

2. Music that glorifies God.

3. Sincere friendly people who glow with their love of God.

4. A pastor who preaches the word and loves his people.

5. A pastor who treats you as an individual.

6. A church where I can serve if the Lord so leads.


I was a member of a large Southern Baptist Church here in town, but was unhappy. Several things happened that were indications that I should leave, but I didn't. Then one Sunday morning on my way to church, I was passing my current church and was prompted to turn in and go to church there. I did and I have been going there ever since. I joined two weeks after my first visit.

I feel that the Holy Spirit led me there. I needed that church, its people, and its pastor.

I am so thankful for my church.

 

I would look for...

Excellent worship service/team

Strong drama ministry

Strong children's/teen ministry

Cell groups

Non-restricted bible versions

Strong missions team

Foundational classes growth

Married/unmarried adults classes

Pastor who listens and is a good teacher, not a pulpit pounder

I want to go somewhere I can learn, grow and participate using the talents God gave me.

karen

 

Olive Branch, just ask if they'd be willing to send you information on the church, if they don't have it available ask them if they could give you a brief summary of their statement of faith over the phone so you know if you're in general agreement at least before you go.
If they have Wednesday services go to that for your first time there. I love doing that because for the most part you're going to be meeting the backbone of the church, and things are much less busy so they have time to greet and speak with you much more than they do on Sundays. Plus it kinda catches 'em off guard because most people don't make their first visit on a Wed., and that's always fun.
Gina

 

TheOliveBranch, as a Pastor I would send you to our Website and then send by mail any materials that would explain who we are and why we exists.
If I had your phone number, I would call and chat with you. Then I would pray that God would lead you in your choice.

rufus