How to choose a church?
What could I be on the look out for when looking for a church?
To explore this we will look at the following passages and then some current cultural church types –
Ideal Church
Acts 2:42-47
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What quality of relationship do you see in among these believers?
- What activities do you see the believers engaging in?
- How were the people relating with God?
- Which of the qualities of this church do you find most attractive?
Thoughts to consider
Not long after this, distrust entered the church and so this account is an aspiration rather than a goal. Nevertheless, in looking for a church it is good to go to the image of the ideal to ask what you find most attractive. This can help you to be that kind of person and to know what you are looking out for.
Why are churches different?
1 Corinthians 12:4-9 & 18-21
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. ...
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
Questions for reflection or discussion
- Why does Jesus’ Spirit introduce diversity into his church and churches?
- How would that diversity of gifting, strengths and weaknesses appear in different churches?
- How does this diversity affect your attitude to a church?
Thoughts to consider
Just as God gives differing gifts to different people to work for the building up of the whole, so he has given different gifts to different churches. This does not make one church better or worse than another. All contribute to Jesus’ whole.
Styles of church
There are a wide range of styles across the churches. Whichever type you end up in, you will find that for most there is a sincerity of faith.
Here are some factors that those who run churches think about in their approach to worshipping God. It is helpful to have these in mind when visiting a church to understand where they are coming from. You may get a picture of how the church works by watching an online service.
Terms that might help in the exploration -
How does the church approach God?
- Conservative - God’s word found in the Bible is central to meeting God. The Bible as the source of truth is looked to for answers for life and meaning.
- Charismatic - The Holy-Spirit, and lively music are central to worship. Here there is a focus on God speaking into life situations by His Spirit.
- High Church - The prayers (liturgy) and Communion are a emphasised as the church helps people through a contemplative approach.
- Liberal – Often a focus on questions as against answers. Often trying to find a way forward through reflecting on questions of life and God. Usually there is an emphasis on practical love.
Photo Credit - Derek Leaf - Four churches I have attended over the years.
