Jul 122010
We have always been part of a a church for years..then we moved…Now were trapped and miserable trying to find the “Right” church home..
Name 3 criteria that would hae to be in place for you to choose one church over another….Thanks for serious responses..
PS This denominational church hopping is tremendously hard because no churches even if the denomination is the same are alike..
Bible based, not denominational based.
Preaches the gospel. Not a man scented gospel just to try to fill the seats.
Not afraid to teach about hell… I really dont like it when people try to witness and say well if you die without Jesus, you will be separated from God. True statement, but the unsaved dont care…. Tell them without Christ, they will go to everlasting torment of hell……
Christian:
Is the uncompromised Word of God proclaimed in the pulpit…
Is there opportunity for educational and social growth…
Are you and your talents accepted there…
Funny you ask this, I had this very conversation with my wife today over lunch. I am a former pastor of 15 years and am looking for a church to attend. (talk about a strange feeling.) This is my personal criteria.
1) Humility among the pastors- In these days of big shots walking in the church meeting late every week with body guards surrounding him, a humble heart is valued. I can’t stomach flashy, fleshly churches with big diamond rings and glamor and glitz.
2) The presence of God- I value experiencing the anointing and presence of God. Boring canned messages turn me off. I long for messages delivered with passion and heart. I want to leave church changed not leave feeling worse then when I came.
3) Sound Biblical teaching- I don’t like flaky strange churches that make you feel you are in a mental hospital. I do love when the Spirit moves in church. I don’t like churches where only motivational speeches are given. We need the conviction of the spirit, not a seeker friendly sugar coated gospel. The hyper faith/prosperity gospel turn me off.
4) A relaxed atmosphere- I don’t like the churches where you have to dress up in suits and ties and everyone looks like they are in a fashion show. I have seen pastors compete with who has the best and most suits! I love churches that have coffee and value authenticity. Many churches in this category go to far and have dead spiritless services. The “cool trendy spirit” can become a lukewarm spirit.
5) Healthy, Unified, and balanced
Some churches are in non stop drama mode. They burn through pastors every few years. The leadership always is in a uproar. Avoid these churches. I have been in church splits it is like a divorce. Also avoid controlling manipulative pastors or controlling board run churches.