Does It Matter Which Church I Attend?

Choosing a church is one of the most important decisions a person makes in his/her life...perhaps second only to who they will marry. Your church, in many ways, helps to shape who you are and your relationship with God. Many of the things you will learn about the Bible will come through your church. Most of your close friends will be from your church. In fact, much of your time is spent (or should be) at your church. So, when you set out to find the "right" one for you, it is not light-hearted decision. It will affect both the rest of your life on earth and your eternity.

With so many different "kinds" of churches and denominations...how can you decide which one you should attend? Which follow the teachings of the Bible? Unfortunately, there is no one "type" of church that can be recommended...every one is different...and thus every one must be evaluated individually according to the pattern we find in the Bible. This worksheet is designed to help you discover which churches in your area would be the best to attend. The following are five simple "tests" with which you can evaluate a prospective church. (Note, if a church fails in even one of these important, biblically-based tests, it is probably not the best choice for you.)

1. The AUTHORITY Test


• Do they believe and teach that the Bible is God's inspired Word...that it is without error and that it is the final authority on every church matter?
• Is the Bible used as the main reference in preaching, teaching, etc.?
• Careful. Many churches have "added" their own traditions to the Bible's authority. They place the words of a specific teacher or leader on the same level as what the Bible says. They might use the Bible or even respect it, but it is not their ultimate authority. This is extremely dangerous! Some have even gone so far as to add whole books to the Bible itself!


2. The DOCTRINAL Test


• Does this church believe and teach that:
• God created the world in six days, not by the process of evolution
• God is a Trinity--Three Persons in One (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
• Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life
• He died on the Cross as the final payment for all sins
• He rose again from the dead on the third day
• He will appear one day again to "rapture" His church and judge the world
• Mankind is sinful and in need of a Savior
• Salvation is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
• A person is saved when he/she repents of sin and trusts Christ as Savior and Lord
• Does this church believe what the Bible plainly teaches about all matters of faith and practice?
• Nothing can be as confusing as figuring out what people really believe. They might use the same words, but have different meanings for them. Don't be afraid to check everything by what the Bible says! Even the Apostle Paul encouraged people to measure the things he said against the Scriptures. We should do the same today when we hear a preacher or teacher speak on spiritual things. (A thorough doctrinal statement with Scripture references is can be found here...you may want to print it out and check it over yourself, comparing it to the Bible.)
3. The SPIRITUAL Test
• Are the "fruits of the Spirit" evident in this church? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control--Galatians 5:22-23)
• Does the worship service itself remind you of Christ and cause you to worship God, or does it instead glorify people or rituals? Is it proper and in order, the way you think Jesus would run a church service?
• Is the music style proper and fitting for the worship of God, or is it merely an entertainment/concert? Would you say the music was "Spirit-driven" or "flesh-driven"? (or outright boring?)
• Watch out for churches that brag about being "Spirit-filled". Obviously, having the Spirit present is essential, but many churches who use that terminology have strayed from basic Bible truth. Just because the music is exciting, or the people are fired up, doesn't necessarily mean they have the Spirit. If a church really is Spirit-filled, it will act like Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Corinthians 12-14 describe.
4. The PURPOSE Test
• Does this church have a "vision" or "goal" for the future?
• Is this church serious about training and discipling people in the truth of the Bible?
• Is this church active in evangelism, outreach, service to the community, and/or in supporting mission works around the world?
• Are the leaders of the church (and prominent members) good examples of people living holy lives the way Jesus lived? Do they practice what they preach?
• Biblically, there are some general purposes that every church should be seeking to fulfill. They are worship, evangelism, training, encouragement, fellowship, and service. It is important to find a church that takes these seriously and is actively working to make them happen.
5. The FELLOWSHIP Test
• Does this church have regular times for personal / small group fellowship? (Sunday School, night Bible studies, prayer groups, etc.) Could you begin attending one of these right away?
• Are there people in this church that you could get to know who could help disciple & befriend you?
• Are there specific ways that you can be involved in the church, through service/outreach projects, Bible study groups, children's ministries, etc.?
• You want to make sure you find a church that you can become actively involved in. Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25 make it clear that if you want to have a successful Christian life, you have to be involved personally in your church. It isn't enough to just go to services on Sundays. Many churches offer Bible studies specifically for teens, singles, young married couples, senior citizens, children, men, women, etc.
6. The PERSONAL Test
• Do you believe you can effectively grow in your faith and worship the Lord at this church?
• Did you like the pastor and the people?
• Were the people friendly to you and your family?
• Was the experience at the church enjoyable, encouraging, and challenging?
• Is the church near enough to your home that you would be willing to go there multiple times per week?
• Would you be willing to invite your friends to a church like this one?
• Although personal opinions aren't the most important thing in the world, they do matter. If you don't like a church, you probably won't attend as often and won't be as committed to its vision and its leadership. You need to find a place where you can grow, develop personal friendships with people, love the pastor, and be faithful in attendance.

Although the initial search for the right church can be frustrating and may take some time, it will pay off greatly in the end. Church attendance and involvement adds such an exciting and dynamic aspect to your personal, family, and spiritual life. It provides a place of rest and refuge when you are facing pressures and temptations, a place of encouragement when you are down and out, a place of hope and help when you are in need, a place of learning and instruction to help you become the person God wants you to be, and a place to find lifelong relationships with people that can love and befriend you. The church is like a family...a wonderful family at that!

Sure, no church is perfect, just as no family is perfect. But if you discipline yourself to go often, and make room in your schedule for God, you will be glad you did. Nothing is more precious and valuable and fulfilling than to worship the Lord with fellow Christians, to see your children brought up in learning about Jesus, to spend your time doing things that will count for eternity. May the Lord bless you in your search for a church body to call your own!

Prayer: Lord, I need your help in searching for the right church. I know I need to find a place that I can regularly learn your Word and worship you. I want to find a place that You approve of, that will help my family and I grow in you, and that I can invest my time and life into for Your glory. Help me find a place where I can serve You most effectively. Please guide me in my search! In Jesus Name, Amen.