“Shopping” for a Church
Wife: Honey, I am going shopping! I will be back in a couple of hours!
Husband: What are you shopping for?
Wife: I am church shopping!
Husband: Make sure you time the service, worship, and preaching. If it is over an hour- forget it!
Wife: I am looking for a new contemporary style building and prefer a younger, more stylish pastor – one who will make me feel good about myself!
Husband: Make sure they have some good programs for the kids. We both need a little break from them!
Wife: It would really be nice if they have a coffee cafe and Krispy Kreme donuts – that would save us time in the morning!
Almost every month when speaking with individuals visiting CCC, it becomes apparent that they are “shopping around” for a church. Recently, two couples visiting our church told me that we were their tenth church that they had visited. Oh boy! Did that make me feel secure!
I have been so bold, as of late, to ask some of these individuals what is on their shopping list when looking for a church. I then offer some suggestions that they may want to consider while looking for a church! Unfortunately, not all churches are the same and not all buildings that have a “church sign” – is one!
The following is a not an exhaustive list to consider when “shopping for a Church but I think it may be helpful.
- Do they have and believe their Statement of Faith?
- Do they believe that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God? Is the Bible the primary source of preaching or is the preaching story telling?
- What is their belief about the God of the Bible?
- Do they believe in the deity of Jesus Christ?
- Do they teach that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone? (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9)
- How do they relate with other believers from other churches? (I Corinthians 12:12-13; I Corinthians 1:10-13)
- What do they believe on the critical issues like abortion, marriage?
- Is there proper accountability with the leadership of the church; proper stewardship of finances?
This past summer, I spoke extensively on “What We Believe and Why”. Just like entering a marriage covenant, it is good to know before you say “I do”, to take the time to know beforehand what you are committing to.
I hope this will prove to be helpful to you the next time you are considering going “church shopping”.
Captured & Kept By His Grace,
Pastor Greg
