Have you ever known someone who hops back and forth from one church to another, finding fault with every house of worship he or she visits? Whether it's the speaking skills of the pastor, the quality of music, or the social sensibilities of the congregation, there is always something wrong. Have you ever been that person?
No church is perfect, but finding a place where you will be spiritually nurtured in the loving arms of Christian brothers and sisters can be difficult. Sometimes we walk away from a church due to a bad feeling about the place or a regretful experience with one of its members. Frequently, dissatisfaction with our church has more to do with personal problems than with theological or spiritual issues. If we are governed by our emotional response, we could lose out on a blessing the Lord has for us.
Choosing a church is one of the most important things you can do when you go away to college. If you begin with a few non-negotiable requirements, you may be less likely to focus on external issues and find what you are really looking for. Here are a few things that characterize the churches of the New Testament:
The Bible says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV). Look for a church that views the entire Bible as the absolutely true, infallible, divine Word of God. Be careful if the church leaders omit Scriptures or consider the Bible to be merely one of many inspired texts from which they teach. The Word of God should be taught clearly and regularly. There should be a balance between teaching from the Old Testament and the New Testament. And the Word should be applied to twentieth-century life and practice.
Gathering with other believers for support and fellowship is a vital part of your growth as a Christian. Paul instructed the Hebrews to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25). Are there church members to whom you can relate? Do they encourage you and lead you closer to God?
New Testament Christians shared their faith through both visible, corporate witness and personal communication with non-Christians. As "they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship," they were "having favor with all the people" and "the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2:42, 47).
Jesus said, "All men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35 ). Look for a church that is oriented toward the unsaved world, where regular Bible teaching and fellowship become the basis for outreach and evangelism.
It has been said that if any of us joined a perfect church it would no longer be perfect. Finding a church that lines up with solid Christian beliefs and teaches you to grow in your walk with Christ is essential. Keep your eyes on the things that are foundational and, above all, pray for God's guidance as you embark on this wonderful journey.
No church is perfect, but finding a place where you will be spiritually nurtured in the loving arms of Christian brothers and sisters can be difficult. Sometimes we walk away from a church due to a bad feeling about the place or a regretful experience with one of its members. Frequently, dissatisfaction with our church has more to do with personal problems than with theological or spiritual issues. If we are governed by our emotional response, we could lose out on a blessing the Lord has for us.
Choosing a church is one of the most important things you can do when you go away to college. If you begin with a few non-negotiable requirements, you may be less likely to focus on external issues and find what you are really looking for. Here are a few things that characterize the churches of the New Testament:
The Bible says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV). Look for a church that views the entire Bible as the absolutely true, infallible, divine Word of God. Be careful if the church leaders omit Scriptures or consider the Bible to be merely one of many inspired texts from which they teach. The Word of God should be taught clearly and regularly. There should be a balance between teaching from the Old Testament and the New Testament. And the Word should be applied to twentieth-century life and practice.
Gathering with other believers for support and fellowship is a vital part of your growth as a Christian. Paul instructed the Hebrews to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25). Are there church members to whom you can relate? Do they encourage you and lead you closer to God?
New Testament Christians shared their faith through both visible, corporate witness and personal communication with non-Christians. As "they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship," they were "having favor with all the people" and "the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2:42, 47).
Jesus said, "All men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35 ). Look for a church that is oriented toward the unsaved world, where regular Bible teaching and fellowship become the basis for outreach and evangelism.
It has been said that if any of us joined a perfect church it would no longer be perfect. Finding a church that lines up with solid Christian beliefs and teaches you to grow in your walk with Christ is essential. Keep your eyes on the things that are foundational and, above all, pray for God's guidance as you embark on this wonderful journey.
