Christians know that the church is not a building but a body of believers. Hebrews 10 even tells us “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” Scripture emphasizes the importance of Christians regularly gathering together. The physical church is where these gatherings occur. Choosing a church will be one of the most important decisions a believer can make. How does one choose a church?

Church helps shape who you are in relationship with God and other believers. You will learn much about the Bible, evangelism, and missions through the church. While the choice is important, the options are many. Statistics tell us there are upwards of 450,000 physical church buildings in the United States.

Today I want to share with you some things I think are important to look for when choosing a church. These are things I personally look for and would encourage you to keep in mind. Remember to actively rely on the Holy Spirit’s leading before making a decision. Pray and look to God for wisdom, and if you’re married, make sure you and your spouse are in complete agreement on all points.

THE INERRANCY AND INFALLIBILITY OF SCRIPTURE

Does the church believe in the inspired, inerrant, and infallibility of the Bible? Is the Bible the final authority on church matters? All Scripture is true and relatable for our time. Following God’s Word should be the utmost goal of the church.

WORSHIP STYLE

Every church should have worship. Make sure you are comfortable in the setting, whatever it may be. God created us to worship Him. Worship isn’t singing hymns or listening to the service; it is intimate communication with God in church and in your everyday life.

ENCOURAGES AND EQUIPS DISCIPLES

Growing church members is just as important as growing in numbers. Church members have to know and grow in Christ. That is the fundamentals of discipleship. The writer of Hebrews stresses the importance of discipleship: “By this time you ought to be teachers but you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness,” (Heb. 5:12-13). Believers must continue to grow. Church growth is more than numbers. It is evidenced by people serving. How is this church serving its members and ministries?

SOUND DOCTRINE

Oh, be careful little ears what you hear! It’s not all theologically sound, I assure you. There are many doctrines floating around, but there is only one faith. Many churches will post a doctrinal statement on their website. This is also the time to read the church’s Confession of Faith (Methodist), Baptist Faith and Message (Southern Baptist), Statement of Faith (Presbyterian), and many more. Make doubly sure that what you read is in line with your doctrinal integrity to see where you best fit. Understand what they believe about the Trinity, salvation, human destiny, and the church.

FELLOWSHIP

When you hear of church fellowship, do tea parties and pot lucks come to mind? While this kind of fun does lead to fellowship, we need to go beyond this idea into encouragement, support, correction, and guidance of other believers. What does this church do for fellowship? Are there men’s and women’s ministries?

EXPOSITORY PREACHING

In reference to the above importance of Scripture in the church, a pastor is needed who can expound on what is read in a particular passage of Scripture. He (yes, he, but that’s for another post) needs to be able to explain the meaning and how to apply it to your life. We should pray for our pastor’s ability to commit and apply Scripture to his own life before leading others in study.

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If you are actively looking for a church family, my prayer is that you will take these suggestions and use them in your search. Please let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.