LOOKING FOR A CHURCH HOME?
When you’re looking for a local church, we must first understand God's purpose for the church—the body of Christ—in general.
In regard to the truth, the local church is a place where the Bible (God's only Truth) has complete authority. The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Therefore, when seeking a church to attend, we should find one where, according to biblical standards, the gospel is preached, sin is condemned, God’s grace through faith restores us into right relationship to Him, worship is from the heart, the teaching is biblical, and opportunities to minister to others exist. Also, the church you choose should be welcoming to all. We should welcome sinners yet speak the truth to them about their sin. The people of the church should be committed to encouraging one another to grow in Christ.
In regard to the second truth about the church, Christians should attend a local fellowship that declares Christ's headship in all matters of doctrine and practice. No man, whether pastor, priest, or pope, is the head of the church. All men die. Christ is the church's one supreme authority, and all church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are appointed through His sovereignty, as found in the Scriptures.
Factors such as building size, worship styles, activities, programs, location, etc. are merely a matter of personal preference. Before attending a church, some research is necessary. Doctrinal statements, purpose statements, mission statements, or the lack of, will give insight into what a church believes should be carefully examined. In today’s culture, sadly many churches are more about our entertainment, and beware of phrases such as “seeker-sensitive”. If the focus of the sermon is about you and me, and very little about Jesus our Savior, that should raise a flag.
Finally, there is no perfect church. Churches are filled and lead by sinners saved by God’s grace whose flesh and spirits are continually at war with the devil. Commit to prayer about the church you intend to call home.