I get asked all the time about what church you should choose. That is a very important question because Jesus instituted the church so we could all come together and support one another and get closer to Him. Jesus wants the church to be that safe haven in a world of chaos.

 

The problem is there are so many places that call themselves a church, but are they? The book of Revelation begins with Jesus talking about 7 churches, and 6 of them are not the church Jesus wanted them to be. It is important to be at a church that Jesus calls a church.

 

What are the characteristics of a good church?

 

The church is based on God’s Word. It is not changed, deleted, or shied away from. If God says this is right or this is wrong, then that is the final word. Does the place believe everything in the Bible is true? Do they believe the Bible is the authority on how to live. Without a solid basis then things can change and become unstable. Matthew 24:35 is key.

 

The church loves everyone. This means the people there are devoted to helping everyone get closer to Jesus. This also means tough love can be employed when necessary to help someone. Showing someone where they are wrong is love. Love is also accepting everyone who comes as a person God loves and then accepting the mandate from God to help that person come to Jesus so they can be the masterpiece God always wanted them to be by choosing to get involved in their life and allowing others to be involved in yours. Love requires being involved.

 

Is the church a family? Does everyone truly care about each other? We are to be there to help one another when there is a need without passing judgment. Just like in any family, a member can do something dumb. It can be totally their fault. But they are still family, and we will choose to help them because they are family. Jesus never turns His back on us, so we should not do that to one another. This is important because we can all do something dumb, and we need someone to be there for us to help us, not put us down.

 

The church deals with conflict well. Until we get to heaven humans will have conflict, even the best of us who love one another. Always follow Matthew 18:15-17. Three steps: (1) when someone offends you go to that person in private (2) If that does not work bring another with you to help see both sides (3) if that does not work then go tell the church or the public. The world does step 3 first almost all the time and disaster is the result. I have found that when we do it Jesus’ way almost every problem is solved with no one getting hurt.

 

The church should be free to worship God as you see fit. We are all different and that is OK. When we come together, we should be allowed to express our love for God that means something to us. Everyone experiences God in different ways. Some people are quiet, and others are very expressive. Why can’t you have both and everything in between because we are all made different by God and that is good. Too many times a church or a ministry emphasizes one way over another and that is wrong.

 

The church needs to have programs to reach the lost and fulfill the mission of the church. We see that in how the church developed in Acts. Acts chapter 6 speaks directly to this and why there is a leadership structure in the church. Programs are necessary in a church because you have to win the right to be heard. It is foolishness to think people will just come to Jesus for no reason. Now the church should not be program driven, but the programs should come out of a desire to fulfill the great commission and be led by the Holy Spirit. The programs are not just for the lost, but also for those in the church. Programs for discipleship, but we will always have needs, and Jesus says the church should step up and be there to meet the needs of those in the church to show the world there is something different about this place. A reason to belong. There are real benefits. We find this theme expressed over and over in the book of Acts.

 

This is what you should look for in a church. It says in Mark 16:17-18 that these signs will follow those who believe. That means that will just happen. We will not have to go search for them; they will just naturally happen in the life of the church because it is where God wants to be because we are doing it as God asks.

 

It is important where you choose to go to church because if you choose poorly, it can lead you away from Jesus instead of to Him. Not every place that says it is a church is really a church.

 

I talk to many people about church, and many don’t go because they tried it and did not like it. The reason is simple the church they tried was not a place Jesus approved of (see Revelation chapters 2 and 3). If Jesus approves, He will be there and if He is there people will experience that in a way that is meaningful to them.

 

Jesus created the church with purpose and with a strategic plan in mind to bless you and to share the Gospel. There should be a tremendous balance between these two.

 

When you find the right church, you will be fulfilled beyond your wildest imaginations because that was Jesus’ purpose with giving the church. One more thing, for that to happen, once you find a real church, it is up to you to get immersed so you can receive all God has for you!

 

Remember Jesus loves you; I love you, and you are awesome!